HEALTH

Systemic lupus erythematosus, what it is and what the symptoms may be

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a connective tissue disease that is characterised by erythematous manifestations on the skin and mucous membranes, but also by sensitivity to sunlight and a whole range of other consequences.

The individuals most affected by this disease are women between the ages of 15 and 40 years, and although there may be cases of familial cases, it is far more common for lupus to be a sporadic disease.

The cause of its occurrence is currently unknown. The fact that it affects more women than men, however, could indicate an important role of hormonal factors. (Source: humanitas.it)

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What is the lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a connective tissue disease that is characterised by erythematous manifestations on the skin and mucous membranes, but also by sensitivity to sunlight and a whole range of other consequences. The individuals most affected by this disease are women between the ages of 15 and 40 years, and although there may be cases of familial cases, it is far more common for lupus to be a sporadic disease. The cause of its occurrence is currently unknown. The fact that it affects more women than men, however, could indicate an important role of hormonal factors. (Source: humanitas.it)
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The special shapes and variations
There are special forms of lupus such as drug-induced lupus, neonatal lupus or cutaneous lupus, which in turn can have two variants, discoid lupus and subacute cutaneous lupus.
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The hypothetical causes
Although the causes of systemic lupus erythematosus are not known, it has been hypothesised that an altered clearance of apoptotic cells resulting in an autoimmune reaction against DNA and other intracellular antigens may be the basis.
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The possible symptoms
Symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus may include fever, fatigue, alopecia and diffuse hair loss, butterfly-like rush of the face, erythematous lesions in areas that are exposed to the sun, skin vasculitis and red-purple lesions of the hard palate and nose.
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Systems that may be involved
Systemic lupus erythematosus can also involve the kidneys, joints, haemopoietic system, central nervous system and serosae (causing pleurisy and pericarditis).
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