SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS
DESCRIPTION |
|
|
The body's immune system is a network of
cells and tissues responsible for clearing the body of invading
foreign organisms, like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Antibodies are
special immune cells that recognize these foreign invaders, and
begin a chain of events to destroy them. In an autoimmune disorder
like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, a person's antibodies begin to recognize the body's own
tissues as foreign. Cells and chemicals of the immune system damage
the tissues of the body. The reaction that occurs in tissue is
called inflammation. Inflammation includes swelling, redness,
increased blood flow, and tissue destruction.
In Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, some of the common antibodies that normally fight diseases
are thought to be out of control. These include antinuclear
antibodies and anti-DNA antibodies. Antinuclear antibodies are
directed against the cell's central structure that contains genetic
material (the nucleus). Anti-DNA antibodies are directed against the
cell's genetic material. DNA is the chemical substance that makes up
the chromosomes and genes.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus can occur in both males and females of all ages, but 90% of
patients are women. The majority of these women are in their
childbearing years. African Americans are more likely than
Caucasians to develop Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
Occasionally, medications can cause a syndrome of symptoms very
similar to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. This is called drug-induced lupus. Medications that
may cause this syndrome include hydralazine (used for high blood
pressure) and procainamide (used for abnormal heartbeats).
Drug-induced lupus almost always disappears after the patient stops
taking the medications that caused it. |
|
|
| SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS RELATED ITEMS |
|
|
|
|
