Lupus erythematosus. What is this disease, symptoms, pictures, causes, systemic, discoid, disseminated. As transmitted, treatment

Systemic lupus erythematosus is not a contagious disease. Pathology may occur from birth or from the period of 16-30 years. The disease is more susceptible to the female sex. The disease can be cured completely not always, patients are registered with a general practitioner / pediatrician and must constantly take medication.

Lupus develops due to a malfunction of the immune system. As a result, the body begins to produce "wrong" antibodies that destroy their own, healthy cells. Their actions may be subject to all the organs and tissues.

The first symptoms usually appear during the adjustment period hormonal (puberty, pregnancy). Pathologies characterized exacerbation periods when antibody production is increased. The attack on healthy cells of the immune system is accompanied by inflammation and deterioration of the work of the affected organ.

The causes and mechanism of development

Lupus Erythematosus - is a disease, the main cause of which is still unclear. Most often the disease develops at a combination of several factors, and in people at risk.

Basic contemplated, the causes of lupus:

procatarxis	Description factor
Hereditary	This cause is not confirmed, but if mom or 1st child identified lupus, then the probability of the birth of the 2nd with this pathology is increased to 80%.
Genetic	The presence of a genetic predisposition to the development of immune pathologies.
Infectious	The presence of infection with Epstein-Barr virus (the herpes-related diseases). The involvement of the virus in the development of disease has not been proven, but it is always diagnosed with lupus.
Hormone	The disease occurs with an increase in the hormone estrogen in women. Not proven, affect the hormones in the development of the disease or a symptom of this is a consequence of lupus.
External	Prolonged exposure under ultraviolet light (sunlight) causes a mutation of cells, which can lead to malfunction of the immune system and the development of lupus. Or frequent hypothermia, frostbite.
Drug	Taking certain medications can cause a failure of the immune system and the further development of lupus.
Toxic	Exposure to toxins and chemicals.

The pathology occurs more often in people at risk, and in the presence of 2 or 3 above reasons.

Risk factors that cause the development of SLE:

• Pathology of the skin (eczema, dermatitis), and the endocrine system (diabetes, thyroid disease);
• infectious diseases in the chronic form;
• exhaustion or severely immunocompromised;
• AIDS;
• nicotine and alcohol;
• liver disease;
• frequent hormonal disorders and allergies;
• female (childbirth, menopause and ripening period) and negroid;
• frequent stress and stay depressed and nervous system diseases.

These factors can trigger a malfunction of the immune system. It begins to destroy healthy cells, the process is accompanied by an inflammatory response. Antibodies and inflammation, first destroy the cells without treatment begin to break down the tissues and organs. When death occurs subsequently ignoring the disease.

Forms and types of diseases

Lupus erythematosus, regardless of the type of pathology, divided by the brightness of clinical symptoms.

Disease can occur in 3 forms:

1. Acute. The most dangerous form and is more common in the age of 7 years. The disease occurs with an increase in symptoms and their severity bright. Difficult to treat. In the absence of therapy, duration of life, not exceeding 24 months.
2. Subacute. This form is easier to treat, symptoms gradually increases. Periodically manifested exacerbation of disease.
3. Chronic. In this case, the disease may not have obvious symptoms. Status of damaged tissue gradually deteriorates. Full recovery is not possible, even with therapy, medication.

These forms can occur in 3 degrees of severity of the body:

1. Min. Affects the skin and joints.
2. Average. The severity of skin disorders pronounced. Additionally affected vessels, and noted the development of internal organ pathologies.
3. Max. Pronounced disruption of the internal organs, and brain function deteriorates. The blood supply to the body is severely impaired.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is also divided into 2 main types:

1. Discoid - affects only the skin.
2. System - amazed: the skin, internal organs and tissues.

HF system

Systemic lupus erythematosus occurs in the chronic form. The immune system produces antibodies that violate the condition of the skin and destroy the cells of internal organs. The process is accompanied by an inflammatory reaction, which accelerates the destruction of tissues. Without maintenance therapy fails bodies followed by death.

Initially, the disease is characterized by the appearance of a bright red rash on the cheeks and bridge of the nose (resembles a butterfly). Also rashes observed in the rest of the body. The mouth has a swelling and the presence of ulcers. In addition, there are aches and pains in the joints. As the disease involved the internal organs (heart, kidneys, nervous system). Joint pain worse.

discoid HF

Discoid lupus erythematosus in the form affects the skin on the head (face, ears and hairy part) can sometimes be affected and the rest of the body. Initially, there is a small rash, redness and thickening of the epidermis. Gradually the spots merge into 1 large swollen spot that begins to peel off, which is accompanied by itching and burning.

Next the plaques are formed. Their removal causes severe pain. Beneath a thin and flabby skin, and scars are formed. If it affects the hair on the place of appearance of plaques develop baldness.

Sometimes it is possible reddening okologubnogo space, which is also accompanied by swelling and burning. In rare cases, the disease affects the oral mucosa. This form of the danger of degeneration of the skin under the plaques in cancer cells.

What are the symptoms of lupus? The first signs and symptoms

Lupus Erythematosus - is a disease that may be accompanied by a large number of symptoms, depending on the type of disease, severity of, and what organs are damaged.

Also, diseases are common initial symptoms:

• periodic fever, particularly during exacerbations;
• Lymph nodes are enlarged state;
• enanthesises (initially be confused with allergy), increasing the number of pigmented spots;
• due to vascular injury of tissues and organs power deteriorates, which leads to fatigue;
• wanton loss of hair;
• sudden headache without provoking factor;
• pain in the eyes to bright light and swelling (bags under the eyes);
• disruption of muscle and joint pains with accompaniment;
• sudden weight loss in severe forms of body mass discharge is expressed clearly;
• poor blood supply to the extremities (broken blood vessels functioning), which is accompanied by cold hands and feet, sometimes bluish.

These symptoms appear gradually and with the development of the disease the number is increasing. Depending on which organ or tissue damage present additional symptoms.

The defeat of the musculoskeletal

Violation of the integrity of joints and muscle aches occur in all types of lupus as the blood supply to tissues is degraded. Most often hurt your knuckles and wrist (elbow, knee and ankle are involved in severe forms).

Restore joint function is possible only surgically. In the form of lupus arthritis does not occur the destruction of bone tissue.

Signs of the joints and muscles:

• increased pain in the evening;
• burning sensation in the joint area;
• when moving the limbs small audible crackle, which is accompanied by a painful symptom;
• men marked pain in the coccyx area;
• when severe swelling, redness of joints and limitation of movement.

The use of ointments or formulations for pain symptom gives a result at the time of the means of action.

Mucous and skin

Rashes on the skin and mucous says more than 60% of patients. More common rash all over the body. Redness on the cheeks and bridge of the nose, occurs a little less (50%). Ulceration of the oral and vaginal mucosa occurs in no more than 25% of patients.

Rash on the body may be in the form of swollen patches of different shapes. Or fine / hemorrhagic, occurs due to damage to the small capillaries. Damage to the scalp accompanied by alopecia. Chronic formation lead to scarring of the skin. With prolonged exposure to the sun or the cold, rash brightness increases.

The defeat of the respiratory system

Lupus erythematosus, systemic form in, may affect the lung tissue. Antibodies produced by the immune, system attack the bronchial tubes and affect the pleura, in result may develop:

• lupus pneumonitis (mainly in the acute form);
• necrosis of lung tissue;
• blockage of the bronchi.

Pathology may develop rapidly or proceed in a sluggish manner. Accompanied by a pulmonary disease, shortness of breath and chest pain. The cough up mucus blood may be present due to vascular injury by antibodies. Often infection occurs attachment, which impairs the definition and treatment of disease.

The defeat of the cardiovascular system

The antibodies of the immune system may also begin to destroy all heart tissue (outer and inner layers, and the main cardiac muscle, blood vessels valves).

Heart disease in lupus:

• inflammation of the heart membranes (pericarditis), may proceed with the accumulation of fluid;
• inflammation of the myocardium muscle (myocarditis), accompanied by a disturbance of the heart rate, which leads to heart failure;
• violation of valve operation, resulting in a malfunction occurs in the bloodstream;
• severe damage and inflammation of the coronary vessels can lead to early heart attack.

These diseases are accompanied by discomfort and dull pain in the sternum (may be located on both sides). It noted significant failure in the rhythm of the cuts. Due to heart failure appears fatigue and dullness of the skin. Symptomatology is growing in nature.

kidney damage

Lupus erythematosus, in rare cases (less than 50% of patients), may interfere with the functioning of the kidneys.

It appears the development of the following diseases:

• inflammation of the kidney tissue, resulting in reduced their operation;
• the presence of protein and blood in urine.

Pathology often occur in acute and subacute form, at least in chronic. Violation of the kidney accompanied by frequent and sometimes painful urination, swelling and itching of the genitals. Late treatment can lead to renal failure with the need to organ transplantation.

Central lesion

Advanced forms of lupus can cause disruption of the nervous system. Antibodies destroy nerve cells and brain cells.

As a result, may develop pathology:

• inflammation of the meninges and disturbance of its blood supply;
• disruption of the functioning of the propulsion system (discoordination movements);
• epilepsy and seizures;
• the development of dementia and memory impairment;
• different forms of meningitis;
• brain stroke;
• neuroses in different forms;
• reduction in the pain threshold;
• destruction of nerve cells and brain cells;
• Tumor formation in the cerebral cortex.

Violation of the nervous system accompanied by:

• headaches and insomnia;
• hallucinations;
• depressive or aggressive states;
• cramps in the limbs, paralysis and seizures;
• blurred vision;
• disruption or failure of the authorities without the presence of abnormalities.

Timely treatment can prevent the development of serious complications.

The defeat of the digestive tract

A malfunction of the immune system also affects the digestive tract. May develop inflammatory and neoplastic processes.

The defeat of the different organs of different characteristic symptoms:

• ulcers or stomach inflammation accompanied by pain in the upper abdomen, nausea and lack of appetite;
• intestinal failure is a violation of stool, bloating, blood in the stool;
• Liver pathology accompanied yellowness, intoxication deterioration of general health;
• larynx violation cells leads to pain when swallowing or impaired swallowing reflex.

Running form can lead to peritonitis and organ failure. Without the provision of fast medical care there comes death.

Changes in the blood system

In 90% of lupus patients observed change in the state of blood vessels and blood. Receptacles lose their elasticity, they are formed plaques that subsequently may lead to thrombosis.

This leads to disruption of the functioning of the heart. The leukocyte concentration of the blood rises and decreases the amount of hemoglobin, which leads to malfunction of all body systems. Due to the poor elasticity of vessel walls and exhaustion possible internal bleeding.

diagnosis of disease

Lupus Erythematosus - is a disease in need of thorough and continuous diagnostics. Because of damage to several organs at the same time difficult pathology staging. At suspicion of lupus need to undergo examination by a physician and a rheumatologist.

This survey includes the following procedures:

1. Collect the patient's general medical history (which symptoms are, when there were, whether there is a genetic predisposition).

2. Visual examination of the patient.

Expert reveals:

• presence of rash on the face (cheekbones and bridge) similar in shape, on the butterfly pattern;
• spots on other parts of the body with scaly plaques and scarring;
• skin reaction to light. In bright light redness increases;
• presence of small ulcers or sores in the oral and nasal cavity;
• disruption of the functioning of the joints with pain underneath. Muscle pain;
• changes in the tissues of the heart, the lungs;
• changes in blood composition and condition of vessels;
• disease of kidney and urinary tract;
• unstable behavior, presence of headaches and cerebral performance deterioration;
• the presence of antinuclear antibodies in the blood;
• test for syphilis giving a false positive result. Without the presence of the disease.

If there are 4 or more symptoms of the diagnosis lupus erythematosus is confirmed.

3. Complete blood count and antibody. Also, analysis of feces and urine.

4. Examined by a neurologist.

5. ECG and X-ray of the heart organ.

6. Ultrasound of the digestive tract.

Since symptoms can manifest itself for years, it can be affected by virtually all organs, so additional hardware specialist examination (MRI, CT, biopsy) may be assigned. With their help determine which organs have been changed and the severity of their lesions.

When necessary the differential diagnosis? From what diseases need to distinguish lupus erythematosus

Before the appointment of the necessary specialist treatment all disease similar to lupus erythematosus should be excluded. To this end, a differential diagnosis.

Disease similar in symptoms of lupus:

1. Allergic reactions, accompanied by skin rash.
2. Infectious gastrointestinal diseases (pancreatitis, gastritis, ulcers), urogenital (particularly kidney disease) and the brain.
3. Pathology of the pulmonary system (pneumonia, bronchitis, tuberculosis).
4. Inflammatory processes and infectious diseases of the reproductive organs (myoma, oophoritis).
5. Wear and other pathologies of joints and skeletal muscle tissue (arthritis, arthrosis).
6. Benign and malignant neoplastic processes.
7. Diseases of the cardiovascular system (arrhythmia, bradycardia, stroke).
8. Dermatological diseases (lichen planus, psoriasis).
9. Nervous and mental disorders due to excessive overload or impaired brain function.

Using hardware inspection, analysis and biopsy (if necessary), the data of the disease are excluded.

Treatment of Lupus

Therapy lupus depends on the extent of organ involvement, and what stage of the pathology occurs. In the acute treatment of advanced and is held stationary. Since it is necessary to trace the dynamics of edema disease. Most often, the disease is incurable.

Drug therapy has the following direction:

• decrease in the production of "bad" antibodies;
• elimination of inflammatory and neoplastic processes;
• prevention of complications;
• removing the painful symptoms;
• recovery of damaged organs functioning;
• normalization of the blood and cleansing it of toxins.

Treatment is carried out under the strict supervision of a specialist. Complex preparations and the course is determined individually for each patient. It is important to take into account the compatibility of drugs and the timely detection of the side effects of prescription medications.

glucocorticosteroids

Glucocorticosteroids (are hormones) are assigned to eliminate inflammation caused by lupus. The right tool, a single dose, and the course can only assign a specialist, self-medication is strictly prohibited.

Commonly used drugs:

1. Prednisolone. It eliminates inflammatory response contributes to the restoration of the skin. In the treatment requires 3 single dose of medicament. Use of smoking in diabetes and low pressure.
2. methylprednisolone. Destroying antibodies, reduces inflammation. The day is usually given single dose. Failure to comply with the dosage leads to increased symptoms of lupus.
3. dexamethasone (Injection). Promotes restoration of damaged cells. Inhibits antibody production. It is used 1 time per day. Failure to comply with dosage observed symptom amplification.
4. Advantan (Ointment with hormones). Is applied to the damaged areas of the skin, helps to restore the cover. Eliminates swelling and inflammation. Applied to 2 times per day.
5. flutsinar (gel). Tool aimed at withdrawal symptoms and restore the skin. Use 2-hole day.

In compliance with all the recommendations of the attending physician the side effects are rare. The main symptoms of lupus is reduced and stopped by.

cytostatics

Stronger hormonal agents, suppress the immune system. Fight cancer cells. Be appointed as from glucocorticosteroid therapy no improvement.

List of tools:

• azathioprine;
• endoxane;
• cyclophosphamide;
• methotrexate.

these drugs therapy has a short course. Determined by the attending specialist. Do not cause hormonal dependence.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Lupus Erythematosus - is a disease in which the treatment will be ineffective without addressing the swelling of the skin, internal organs and tissues. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs possess this action further eliminate the pain symptoms and normalize the temperature balance.

Internist and rheumatologist more often prescribers:

• nurofen;
• ibuprofen;
• indomethacin;
• diclofenac;
• ketoprofen.

Duration of therapy listed agents should not exceed 7-10 days. Increase the course of treatment, if necessary, can after a conversation with the therapist.

Diet therapy. The list of permitted and forbidden foods

When lupus observe dietary food (especially if struck organs of the digestive tract). Increased amounts of vitamins and minerals will restore bodies faster. In severe need to split meals (5-6 times a day) and in small portions.

Therapist at the beginning of therapy stipulates a list of permitted and prohibited products:

Permitted products and dishes	Prohibited products and dishes.
Baked or boiled sea fish, poultry.	Fried, salty and spicy food.
Vegetable oil, nuts, in small quantities.	Fatty meats and fish.
Fruits and vegetables as possible in the fresh or baked.	Bean and pea culture.
Juices and fruit drinks of fruit (preferably own production).	Garlic (strengthens the immune system, which increases disease).
Low-fat products made from milk.	Sweets and sugar. As well as tea and coffee.
Production of coarse flour.	Food allergens.
Sauces purchased and homemade.

Dieting can reduce the symptoms of lupus. At the attending specialist is recommended to specify a list of products, depending on the form of the disease and which organs are affected, the list can be changed.

Folk remedies

In addition to medical treatment is recommended to use the recipes of traditional therapy. Pre having discussed the use of a specialist.

Recommended decoctions, tinctures and ointments:

1. Pour boiling water (120 ml) of flax seeds (15-20 g). To use one-time fee. When using infusion over 20 days can reduce swelling and inflammation.
2. Ointment for the recovery of the skin. In 180 ml of oil placed on 20 g of dried camomile flowers and marigold. Boil for 10 minutes. After one day may be applied to the damaged areas.
3. To eliminate rashes and swelling, you can use dried and milled birch buds, mixed with oil in the ratio of 1: 3.
4. A decoction of dried root of nettle (25 g) and 180 mL of boiling water. Consumed through-NIL 8 hours with 50 ml. The course is less than a month.

Therapy folk remedies desirable to alternate and consider the presence of an allergic reaction. With the defeat of the digestive tract, heart or kidney disease, you can use more traditional recipes.

Prognosis and complications of the disease

The forecast improvement depends on the following factors:

• the patient's age. The younger the patient, the better the immune system works faster and damaged tissue. Here it is necessary to begin therapy at the first sign of pathology. Then the probability of complications is reduced;
• flowing form of lupus. In the acute form of neglect therapy expressed a lot of complications. Life expectancy is reduced to 2 years;
• timely diagnosis and observance of all specialist appointments (taking medication, diet).

But even with proper care the life expectancy decreases as the body is exposed to infectious diseases due to the lack of immunity. The earlier the diagnosis and treatment is carried out, the less reduced organ function. Probability of surviving to old age is up to 70%.

Lupus affects all tissues and organs, so the disease is in a bad version of it, ends the denial of the vital organs and death.

Author: Svetlana Kotlyachkova

Registration of the article: Mila Friedan

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