Lupus: A Disease of Many Faces
Modern care has turned lupus into a manageable chronic illness.
Dr. Inès Da Costa
Internist
Joint pain, fatigue, malar rash, photosensitivity, mouth ulcers, pleuritic chest pain. Kidney, neurological and haematological involvement determine prognosis.
Diagnosis
Combination of clinical findings, autoantibodies (ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm) and complement levels.
Treatment
- Hydroxychloroquine for nearly all patients
- Glucocorticoids at lowest possible dose
- Immunosuppressants for organ involvement
- Biologics (belimumab, anifrolumab) for refractory disease
Daily life
Strict sun protection, vaccination, cardiovascular risk control. Pregnancy planning matters: stable disease for 6 months reduces complications.
Hydroxychloroquine reduces flares, organ damage and mortality: it should be lifelong unless contraindicated.
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