Recently, "lupus erythematosus" has become a hot topic and has attracted widespread attention.
Many people are unfamiliar with this disease, and they don't know exactly what it is, what symptoms it has, and why it is called "immortal cancer".Today, we will answer these questions one by one.
There are one million patients with lupus erythematosus in our countryThe 25-30 year survival rate is only 30%.
Lupus erythematosus is a systemic autoimmune disease. Professor Yu Qinghong, chief physician of the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology of Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, explained that the name lupus erythematosus originated from more than 100 years ago, when a European ** doctor found that a group of patients** had erythema similar to being bitten by a wolf, so it was named "lupus erythematosus".
The reason why it was later called "systemic lupus erythematosus" is because this disease is not only limited to ** problems, but also affects various organs of the body. When the condition is severe, it can even be life-threatening.
As a result, as awareness of the severity of lupus erythematosus deepened, the name of the disease gradually evolved to "systemic lupus erythematosus".
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects multiple systems and organs throughout the body, and has the clinical characteristics of reversal and remission, and patients have a large number of autoantibodies in the body.
Lupus erythematosus is mainly caused by abnormalities of the autoimmune system. Professor Yu Qinghong said that the body's immune system has three main functions:Defense, immune monitoring, and balance
When the immune system overreacts, there will be a situation of "killing 1,000 enemies and losing 800 enemies". In this condition, the immune system attacks its own tissues and organs, resulting in systemic small vasculitis, which causes damage to various systems of the body.
According to the China Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Development Report 2020, there are 1 million patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in China, ranking second in the world.
At present, the 10-year survival rate of patients with lupus erythematosus has improved, but after 25-30 years, the survival rate has dropped off a cliff, only 30%. Therefore, for lupus erythematosus patients, early diagnosis and** is crucial.
Lupus erythematosusWhy the preference for women?Who are the high-risk groups?
The pathogenesis of SLE is influenced by factors such as genetic background, environmental factors, chemical factors, hormone level disorders in the body, infection, and intestinal flora.
High-risk groups include women of childbearing age, people with a family history of SLE, people with other autoimmune diseases, and people with long-term exposure to ultraviolet light, certain chemicals, and viruses.
Women are more likely to develop SLE, with male-to-female ratios as high as 1:7 to 1:9, especiallyFemales of childbearing age aged 18-40 years
Professor Yu Qinghong said that this may be related to the level of hormones in women's bodies, especially estrogen. A woman's estrogen levels fluctuate during special periods such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause, which are often the time when lupus erythematosus develops or worsens.
The clinical manifestations of SLE are indeed complex and diverse, and almost every system may have corresponding symptoms, which is easy to misdiagnose. First, lesions are one of the typical manifestations of SLE, such as facial butterfly erythema. In addition to ** damage, SLE can also affect multiple systems, including the kidneys, cardiovascular system, digestive system, respiratory system, nervous system, blood system, and joints.
In terms of symptoms and signs, SLE manifests very broadly. Patients may experience symptoms such as hair loss, facial erythema, mouth ulcers, arthritis, nephritis, hematologic abnormalities, digestive problems, neurological lesions, etc.
Therefore, for people with suspected symptoms of lupus erythematosus, especially women of childbearing age, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible and undergo relevant examinations for early diagnosis and **.
Lupus erythematosus is not an incurable diseaseAfter standardization, it can be no different from ordinary people
In the past, SLE was seen as a terminal disease, intimidating, and because it could not, it was also referred to as an "immortal cancer".
However, with the advancement of modern medical technology, the best methods and means of SLE have developed significantly. Through timely and standardized treatment, the condition can be effectively controlled and patients can live a relatively normal life.
At present, the best drugs for SLE in clinical practice include:Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, antimalarials, immunosuppressants, and biologics。These drugs are effective in reducing inflammation and modulating the immune response, resulting in long-term remission. Especially in recent years, some macromolecular biologics such as belimumab (click on the blue word to jump to the drug search applet) have also been approved for use in SLE, providing patients with more choices.
For female patients, SLE may have an impact on family planning, but with effective** and management, it is still possible for them to achieve their desire to conceive and have children.
Overall, lupus erythematosus is a complex disease that requires patience. However, as long as we understand its characteristics and take appropriate management measures, we can better meet this challenge.
In addition, SLE patients need to pay attention to keeping clothes dry, clean and comfortable in daily life, choose easily digestible and nutritious foods, avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, and minimize going to crowded places.