Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Few Things
The systemic lupus erythematosus can occur in either sex, at any age, but it is known that lupus affects more women than men. It is 10 to 15 times more frequently among adult females than among adult men, and that is why sometimes, systemic lupus erythematosus is called a woman’s disease.
Studies revealed that before puberty, there is about one male affected for every three females, and in the adult years, this ratio changes: 10 females are affected for every male.
Also, after menopause, the studies show that there are 8 females for every male affected.
There are some medications that can produce the drug-induced lupus. This lupus appears more often in men, because these drugs are more frequently used in men. We can mention here procainamide, which is used to treat different types of heart abnormalities, and hydralazine which is used to control high blood pressure.
Seems that the symptoms of the systemic lupus erythematosus are the same in men and women too, at least at the beginning of the disease. There are studies that reached the conclusion that there is more severe renal, neurologic, and vascular disease in men with systemic lupus erythematosus than in woman. But, more research needs to be done in that direction, so, at this time, there isn’t enough evidence to sustain there are more severe symptoms in men than in women.
For years, there were made studies that involved the estrogens- female hormones- and the androgens( male hormones). There was seen there is a difference in the way that androgens are metabolized by male and female lupus patients. There also is the suspicion that women with lupus metabolize androgens at a faster rate than women without lupus.
It is known that lower testosterone levels may predispose men to autoimmune-like diseases. There are drugs that lower testosterone levels, and are associated with rheumatic symptoms, but have not been specifically associated with the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus.
Because the systemic lupus erythematosus is sometimes called a woman’s disease, there can appear the misconception that men who have lupus are less masculine. That fact is not true, it was proved that men with lupus are fertile, sexually active and potent, and some of them are very hairy too. Men with lupus are not different hormonally than the others that don’t have this disease.
Sometimes, having lupus can be a situation pretty difficult to cope with. Men affected by this disease may no longer be able to perform or progress in their work environment, or they may not be able to work anymore and support a family. The cultural and societal expectations of men put him in a difficult situation. This fact, the inability of work and earn a living can cause serious emotional and mental stress for him.
In what concerns women, it doesn’t always happen in the same way. Women which have lupus are more affected by the symptoms that appear, like rashes, hair loss, and weight gain.
It is known there are lupus support groups, and it is a logical thing there are more women in these groups, because lupus affects mostly women. It is important that men affected by lupus try and integrate in that groups, because in this way, they will get help for moving forward.
For more resources about lupus please review this http://www.lupus-guide.com/lupus-rash.htm or even http://www.lupus-guide.com/symptoms-of-lupus.htm
August 19, 2010 No Comments
What is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus SLE or Lupus
What is lupus?
Systemic lupus erythematosus, also known as SLE, or simply lupus, is a disease that is characterized by periodic episodes of inflammation of and damage to the joints, tendons, other connective tissues, and organs, including the heart, lungs, blood vessels, brain, kidneys, and skin. The heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain are the organs most affected. Lupus affects each individual differently and the effects of the illness range from mild to severe. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that occurs in about one in 1,000 people. It is much more common in women of childbearing age, especially African-American women.
What are the symptoms of lupus?
The following are the most common symptoms of lupus. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
malar rash – a rash shaped like a butterfly that is usually found on the bridge of the nose and the cheeks.
discoid rash – a raised rash found on the head, arms, chest, or back.
fever
inflammation of the joints
sunlight sensitivity
hair loss
mouth ulcers
fluid around the lungs, heart, or other organs
kidney problems
low white blood cell or low platelet count
Raynaud phenomenon – a condition in which the blood vessels of the fingers and toes go into spasm when triggered by factors such as cold, stress, or illness.
weight loss
nerve or brain dysfunction
anemia
The symptoms of lupus may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
How is lupus diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, lupus may be diagnosed by symptoms and by blood tests for antibodies specific for the disease. The course of the disease ranges from mild to severe and most people have periods of increased symptoms called flares.
How does pregnancy affect lupus?
Pregnancy may or may not increase the symptoms of, or change the course of, lupus. Flares may occur at any time in pregnancy or the postpartum period (after delivery), but are usually mild.
How does lupus affect pregnancy?
Lupus can affect pregnancy at any stage. It is not clear whether the severity of the disease or the type of medication causes problems. However, there are higher pregnancy risks associated with lupus. The rate of miscarriage is higher, ranging from 9 to 40 percent. Later pregnancy loss may also be more likely. Pregnancy complications that may be increased in women with lupus include, but are not limited to, the following:
miscarriage
preterm delivery, especially with a lupus flare
premature rupture of membranes (early breaking of the amniotic sac)
pregnancy-induced hypertension (high blood pressure of pregnancy)
intrauterine growth restriction (poor fetal growth)
stillbirth
It is thought that high levels of antiphospholipid antibodies (antibodies that cause abnormal blood clotting) may be linked with stillbirth. Pregnancy loss may also be associated with the severity of lupus at the time of conception, or if lupus begins during pregnancy. It is also thought that kidney disease with lupus may play a role in pregnancy loss.
A rare condition called neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) may affect babies of mothers with lupus. Symptoms may include:
congenital heart block – a problem in the heart’s electrical system that causes the heart to be slower than normal. This affects about 5 percent of newborns who have no other heart defect.
skin rashes on the face, scalp, chest and upper back (these usually go away in the first year)
blood abnormalities including anemia, low platelets, and lowered white blood cell count
Management of lupus during pregnancy:
Because of the higher risks for pregnancy loss with lupus, mothers need close monitoring of the disease. More frequent prenatal visits are often needed.
Medications used to treat lupus may need to be changed (type and/or dosage), during pregnancy. Consult your physician for more information.
Testing during pregnancy with lupus may include the following:
blood tests for lupus (specific antibodies that help track the severity of the disease)
monitoring for signs of pregnancy-induced hypertension
ultrasound – a diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels used to monitor fetal growth and development.
fetal heart monitoring (to check the fetal heart rate for signs of distress)
Women with lupus can increase their chances for a healthy pregnancy by getting early prenatal care and working with their healthcare providers in the management of their disease.
Lupus death rate jumps:
There has been a sharp increase in deaths from lupus that is concerning government health officials. Reported in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the death rate from lupus increased by 35 percent over two decades. The greatest increase occurred among middle-aged black women, among whom the death toll rose by almost 70 percent.
Unfortunately experts have no clear explanation for the increase in the death rate. The CDC is considering establishing a special registry, which may help determine whether the increased death rate is real or comes from better recognition of the condition.
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July 24, 2010 No Comments
