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WHAT IS LUPUS ?
Lupus is a chronic debilitating disorder of the immune system and is one of the major medical conditions of the modern age. It is a condition, which causes inflammation of virtually any system or organ of the body and can be life threatening. Symptoms range through the whole medical textbook from fatigue, depression and allergies to convulsions, pleurisy, heart and kidney failure. There is no cure but many patients are now treated successfully, ultimately stopping treatment.
Lupus mainly affects women in their childbearing years, but men and even children can be affected. Because of the diversity of symptoms, it can mimic other diseases and is therefore often misdiagnosed and mistreated. It is estimated that 20% of recurrent miscarriages have a direct link with lupus and the Hughes' Syndrome (antiphospholipid syndrome) - an associated condition.
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WHAT IS THE CAUSE ?
The cause is not known. There is a definite genetic tendency but despite years of research, no virus or infectious cause can be identified. Neither is there evidence of an environmental cause. Whatever the trigger, the basic problem is in an alteration in the immune system. The normal immune system, which produces antibodies against foreign invaders, such as bacteria, goes into overdrive and produces too many antibodies.
The current figure for estimated sufferers in now 1 in 750 females. Although the cause is not known, research suggests that hereditary factors play a role. Interesting advances in genetics have dramatically improved the pace of research for discovering the genes that contribute to lupus susceptibility, severity and mortality. The identification of these genes will provide a framework for understanding the basis of this illness.
HOW IS LUPUS DIAGNOSED AND MONITORED?
During the past thirty years, more sensitive blood tests have allowed specialists to recognise that for every patient with severe lupus, there are many more with subtle forms of the disease who are undiagnosed.
Blood tests are used both for confirmation as well as for monitoring the progress of the illness. The ANA (antinuclear antibody) test, if positive, should be followed by other more specific tests to pinpoint more accurately the extent and type of the disease.
For a very good support site called THE LUPUS SITE, click here
WHAT RESEARCH IS BEING DONE TO HELP LUPUS SUFFERERS?
Current research on LUPUS, it's cause and subsequent treatment is being done at St Thomas' Lupus Unit
This research covers the following:
1. Genetics
2. Hughes Syndrome
3. The Brain
4. The Heart
5. Artery Disease
6. Kidneys
7. Lungs
8. Treatment
9. Other Clinical Studies
10. International Collaboration
For further information on the research being conducted at St Thomas' Hospital, as well as advice or further details, please click on the link below.
For St Thomas' Trust Official Web-site, click here
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