Systemic lupus erythematosus predominantly affects women and is more common in blacks. Although survival rates have improved, over one half of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus have permanent damage in one or more organ systems. Arthritis and cutaneous manifestations are most common, but renal, hematologic and neurologic manifestations contribute largely to morbidity and mortality. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic disease with many manifestations. SLE is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system is directed against the body’s own tissues. The etiology of SLE is not known. It can occur at all ages, but is more common in young women. The production of autoantibodies leads to immune complex formation. The immune complex deposition in many tissues leads to the manifestations of the disease. Immune complexes can be deposited in glomeruli, skin, lungs, synovium, mesothelium, and other places. Many SLE patients develop renal complications.

Dermatologic Manifestations Skin rashes are common with SLE. The most characteristic rash is seen across the malar region of the face, the so-called “butterfly rash” that is accentuated by sun exposure. SLE must be distinguished from discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), which affects the skin (but only in sun exposed regions) and is unlikely to be associated with systemic illness, such as renal disease. A biopsy of sun-exposed skin that is not involved with a rash will demonstrate immune complex deposition with SLE, but not with DLE. Manifestations Renal disease is common with SLE because the immune complexes are often deposited in the renal glomeruli. A renal biopsy is often performed to determine the degree of involvement and determine therapy. Despite therapy, progression to chronic renal failure is common.

As systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic disease, patients require extensive health education in terms of their responsibility in managing their condition. This requires compliance with office visits and medications, and lifestyle modifications to reduce or prevent associated problems such as hyperlipidemia, obesity and hypertension. An ongoing partnership between the primary care physician and the rheumatologist is essential in the long-term management of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

The cause of systemic lupus erythematosus remains elusive. Predisposing factors include genetic factors (certain types of human leukocyte antigens and null complement alleles), environmental factors including sun-exposure, some drugs such as sulfa antibiotics, and hormonal factors. Systemic lupus erythematosus is more common in blacks than in whites and is obviously more common in women than in men (ratio: 9:1) The pathophysiology of systemic lupus erythematosus is not completely understood. The production of abnormal antibodies by B cells remains the hallmark sign of lupus erythematosus. One of the underlying defects in systemic lupus erythematosus may center on apoptosis, or programmed cell death. In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, cellular antigens exposed during apoptosis incite an immune response

The diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus requires a thorough history, a physical examination and laboratory tests, including a complete blood cell count, chemistry panel and urinalysis. Serologic tests such as antinuclear antibodies, anti-Rho, anti-La, anti-RNP, anti-Sm, anti-dsDNA and antiphospholipid antibodies are helpful to confirm the diagnosis. Systemic lupus erythematosus is a disease that continues to evolve over time. Thus, a patient who presents with skin and joint disease remains at risk for renal disease even after having lupus erythematosus for decades. Continued monitoring, even when the disease appears to be clinically inactive, is essential. It is very important that a partnership be established between the primary care physician, the rheumatologist and any other physicians caring for the patient.

Eat fruits and vegetables. Avoid foods with high content of fats in them as well as starches. Concentrate on a diet of vegetables especially leafy green vegetables.

Stay away from the sun, as it can be very damaging.

SLE is a challenging disease with varied manifestations resulting from widespread immune complex deposition. It may present as an acute illness with fever, rash, and hematuria, or as chronic fatigue and malaise, which might be mistaken for 'school phobia.' Although SLE remains an infrequent disease in general pediatric practice, mild cases are more frequent than previously recognized. It is important to take care of the spiritual aspect and not to go into depression when dealing with this disease. Take exercises as these help a lot.

Primrose Oil has favorable effects on skin health ^1,2 as well as beneficial in soreness. ^3,4 Glucosamine sulfate shows its favorable effects on bone and joint health. ^1,2,5,6,7 Celadrin is a fatty acid containing nutritional supplement that has wholesome effects on bone and joint health. ² Pau D' Arco shows its beneficial effects during soreness. ^1,8 Omega 3 has good effects during soreness and problems associated with bone and joint health. ^2,6,9

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.