Lupus Systemic lupus erythematosus This is an autoimmune disease (the body's immune system mistakenly attacks itself).  Almost every organ in the body is susceptible to this disease. It affects the joints (causes arthritis) in 90% of those infected with the disease. Joint pain, stiffness or swelling Fever Weight loss Fatigue "Butterfly rash" -- red rash on the cheeks Skin lesions Sensitive to light Eye inflammation/redness Vision problems Shortness of breath Cough (severe cases with blood) Palpitations Abdominal pain Psychosis Seizures Depression Kidney failure (leg swelling) Anti-nuclear antibody is usually positive (though not specific) Anti-double stranded DNA antibodies and anti-Sm antibodies are relatively specific for lupus (but not as sensitive) Antiphospholipid antibodies may occur.  These increase the risk of blood clots and miscarriages. 85% female predominance; this predominance is 3:1 in prepubertal patients. Generally occurs from 15 to 50 years of age Most commonly found in African-Americans, Asians, Native Americans and Hispanics Familial (genetic) factors -- common genetic markers for SLE are the genes for HLA-B8, DR2 and DR3.  There may be other markers for this disease (complement deficiencies and polymorphisms of the Fc gene). No specific therapy Mild -- supportive only Anti-inflammatories, e.g., ibuprofen Hydroxychloroquine (person should be monitored for retinal damage by an ophthalmologist) Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) for more severe cases. Cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil or azathioprine may be considered for cases resistant to prednisone. If antiphospholipid antibodies are present and clotting occurs in arterial or venous systems, then Coumadin is prescribed. Dialysis and renal transplantation Spontaneous exacerbations and remissions The 5-year survival rate is 90% or higher, but the disease may still progress in many patients. Patients can die from kidney failure, central nervous system complications, infections, heart failure, or lung failure. Rheumatoid arthritis Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Wegener's granulomatosis Scleroderma Polymyositis/dermatomyositis Medication-induced lupus: Certain medications can cause a lupus-like syndrome. The most common medications are chlorpromazine, hydralazine, isoniazid, methyldopa, procainamide, dilantin, and quinidine.