Latest on Lupus: Symptoms and Treatment
What is it?
Lupus, which affects roughly eight times as many women as men, is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system can attack connective tissues and organs causing a variety of symptoms. It is estimated that 500,000 to 1.5 million Americans have lupus and it is more common in individuals of African-American and Asian descent. The peak age of onset of lupus is between 10 and 40, although individuals of any age can get lupus.
“It is a multi-system disease that can affect the skin, muscles and joints, the blood, the kidneys, the central nervous system and more. Immunologic abnormalities can also occur,” says rheumatologist Dr. Bonnie Bermas, Director of the Lupus Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
For more information, please visit the BWH Health Information Library pages on lupus.
What causes the disease?
The cause of lupus is not known but it is believed genetic and environmental factors do play a role. Potential triggers for the onset of lupus and flare-ups include:
Sun exposure
Infections
Stress
Medication
Injury
For many people, lupus is a mild disease affecting only a few organs – but for a minority of patients it may cause serious and potentially life-threatening problems.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of lupus widely vary, and they often come and go. Common symptoms include:
Dr. Bermas says, “Symptoms can range from a very mild skin rash to serious kidney disease or neurologic problems.”
Control of symptoms and treatment
Depending on the severity of the symptoms, medical treatment is tailored to the individual needs of each patient. There currently is no cure for lupus, but relapses and symptom flare-ups can be controlled. “If all or many of their symptoms are under control, people living with lupus can live a full and healthy life,” says Dr. Bermas.
At Brigham and Women’s Hospital Orthopedic and Arthritis Center, patients have access to the latest treatment options for lupus, including:
Send Feedback to: 
