WHAT IS LUPUS? More information

A study by a group of Auckland Rheumatologists, of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus was carried out. The study found that Lupus was 3 - 4 times more prevalent in Maori and Pacific Island people compared to Europeans. There were more females in each ethnic group, average 87% of all cases. The prevalence rate, i.e., ( the number of actual cases in the community at any one time) in New Zealand Polynesians is significantly higher than in Caucasian counterparts, which confirms the observation that the disease is more common in pigmented races.

Although the cause of Lupus is unknown, scientists believe that some individuals are genetically predisposed to Lupus. Environmental factors such as infections, ultraviolet light, extreme stress, certain drugs, sunlight, infection, injury, surgery or exhaustion can play a critical role in triggering "flares" of Lupus = a more active state of the disease.

 
Lupus can be difficult to diagnose. In Systemic Lupus the symptoms come and go, and may mimic many other illnesses. Some symptoms of Lupus can be joint and muscle pain, fatigue, a rash caused by or made worse by sunlight, low grade fevers, hair loss, pleurisy, appetite loss, sores in the nose or mouth or painful sensitivity of the fingers to the cold. Although Lupus ranges from mild to life-threatening, the majority of cases can be controlled with proper treatment by a Rheumatologist. Other specialists are also often involved in treating Lupus, for example, Dermatologists in cases of Discoid Lupus, which involves the skin, and Renal Physicians when Lupus affects the kidneys.

 
While medical science has not yet developed a method for curing Lupus, new research brings unexpected findings and increased hope each year.

 

Last modified: 16 April, 2008