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Systemic lupus erythematosus, usually referred to as lupus or SLE, is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, nervous system, and other organs of the body.
Rheumatologists are specifically trained to treat lupus—and other rheumatic diseases—and seeing a rheumatologist as early after diagnosis as possible is your best defense against this disease.
The American College of Rheumatology is committed to helping its members (rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals) provide the best quality of care for their patients. The College has pulled together the following resources regarding lupus to help you as you navigate your treatment and life after diagnosis.
Disease Fact Sheets | Treatments | Find a Rheumatologist | Rheumatic Disease and Your Life | Learn About Legislation Affecting People with Arthritis
Disease Fact Sheets
Learn more about lupus and the various rheumatic diseases and conditions connected to it.
Lupus
Lupus is sometimes labeled the “great imitator.” Why? Because of its wide variety of symptoms, it can often be confused with other disorders. Learn more about lupus and how your rheumatologist can help you treat it.
Sjögren's Syndrome
In the early 20th century, Swedish physician Henrik Sjögren (SHOW-gren) first described a group of women whose chronic arthritis was accompanied by dry eyes and dry mouth. Today rheumatologists know more about the syndrome that is named for Sjögren and—most significantly for patients—can provide advice about how to live with it.
Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome
Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Fact Sheet
Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is a recently identified autoimmune disease present in a mostly young female population. For these individuals, proteins called anti-phospholipid autoantibodies in the blood can cause blood to flow improperly, leading to dangerous clotting in arteries and veins, and/or pregnancy miscarriage and fetal complications. These antibodies develop, for unknown reasons, against the person’s own tissues. People with this disorder may otherwise be healthy, or may also suffer from an underlying disease, most frequently Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or SLE.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is an often misunderstood, even unrecognized, disorder that causes widespread muscle pain and tenderness which tends to come and go, and move about the body. This common and chronic condition also can be associated with fatigue, sleep disturbances and memory problems. People with lupus are also at risk for fibromyalgia.
Vasculitis
Vasculitis refers to inflammation of blood vessels. There are multiple types of vasculitis. Most types of vasculitis are rare and the causes are generally unknown. Vasculitis can affect persons of both sexes and a broad range of ages from children to older adults.
Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis
Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis Fact Sheet
Even if you are taking a glucocorticoid medication for inflammatory arthritis or some other condition, there is no reason that you should face the added problem of osteoporosis. To protect yourself, become familiar with osteoporosis and start taking calcium and vitamin D supplements. Talk with your doctor about additional medication options to protect your bones.
Osteonecrosis
The bones in the joints of the human body require a steady supply of blood to remain healthy. Severe decreases in this blood flow can result in bone cell death, called osteonecrosis, causing the bone to collapse before the body is able to make repairs. The condition is not fatal, but osteonecrosis can lead to pain, arthritis, problems with physical activity and even the need for joint replacement.
Treatments
The best information you can get regarding treatment for lupus is from your rheumatologist. Below is information about some of the options available to patients.
Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) Fact Sheet
Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is considered a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) because it can decrease the pain and swelling of arthritis as well as possibly prevent joint damage and reduce the risk of long-term disability
Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) Fact Sheet
Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) belongs to a class of drugs known as alkylating agents, which were originally developed and are still used to treat some types of cancer. It is in the class of medications referred to as immunosuppressants – medicines that can decrease the immune response.
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf)
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf) Fact Sheet
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf): Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf) is a potent immunosuppressant medication that is considered a disease modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) because it not only decreases the pain and swelling of arthritis but it may also prevent joint damage and reduce the risk of long term disability.
Azathioprine (Imuran)
Azathioprine (Imuran) Fact Sheet
Azathioprine (Imuran) is an anti-inflammatory medication that is considered an immunosuppressant or disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). This category of medicines can decrease joint damage and disability.
Mycophenolate Mofetil (Cellcept)
Mycophenolate Mofetil (Cellcept) Fact Sheet
Mycophenolate (Cellcept) belongs to a class of medications known as immunosuppressives. This medication was used originally in the management of patients with organ transplants, but is now recommended in the treatment of some autoimmune diseases.
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex) Fact Sheet
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex) is one of the most effective and commonly used medicines to treat various forms of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions. It is known as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) because it not only decreases the pain and swelling of arthritis but also can reduce damage to joints and the risks of long-term disability.
Find a Rheumatologist
A rheumatologist is an internist or pediatrician who is qualified by additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones.
The role of the rheumatologist is to diagnose, treat, and medically manage individuals with rheumatic disorders – many of which are often complex. Rheumatologists interact with patients and their families as a resource for health information and as a collaborator with other health care providers. In addition, many rheumatologists conduct research to determine the cause and better treatments for these disabling and sometimes fatal diseases.
If you are interested in speaking with a rheumatologist about the treatment options for lupus click here.
Rheumatic Disease and Your Life
Lupus, and other rheumatic diseases, can affect several different areas of your life. Learning more about this will only arm you with the information to lead a healthier, happier, more fulfilled life.
The Immune System and Its Link to Rheumatic Diseases
The Immune System and Its Link to Rheumatic Diseases Fact Sheet
Our immune system is an amazing network of cells that function from very basic to highly complex levels. The purpose of this system is to protect us from our environment and watch for any early damage in our own cells. Sometimes, however, the system goes awry and misreads signals. As a result, our defenses do not recognize our own body at work, and begin “attacking” cells. This leads to illnesses called autoimmune (self-immune) diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation of the joints), systemic lupus erythematosus (commonly known as “lupus,” an inflammatory disease of connective tissue), and vasculitis (inflammation of a vessel of the body).
Pregnancy & Rheumatic Disease
Pregnancy & Rheumatic Disease Fact Sheet
For years, women with potentially serious systemic autoimmune diseases have been advised against getting pregnant. We now know that, with careful medical and obstetric management, most of these women can have successful pregnancies. Learn how pregnancy may affect your lupus.
Heredity & Arthritis
Heredity & Arthritis Fact Sheet
Like every human disease, the many forms of arthritis or rheumatic diseases, have genetic components. Each one, however, has its own unique degree and pattern of heredity, as well as different genes which influence not only susceptibility to but also severity of the disease.
Sex & Arthritis
Sexuality is an integral part of being human. It is linked to our quality of life and self-identity. Yet, living with the pain, stiffness, fatigue, limited movement, decreased strength and depression associated with arthritis can reduce our ability for sexual expression and enjoyment.
Living Well With a Rheumatic Disease
Living Well With a Rheumatic Disease Fact Sheet
If you were recently diagnosed with arthritis or one of the other rheumatic diseases, you may be feeling anxious, even a little overwhelmed. This is a natural response to an unexpected bend in the road. But how do you handle your very real concerns? By knowing the facts.
Arthritis In Children
Arthritis In Children Fact Sheet
Growing up with arthritis can be challenging. However, with care from a team of rheumatology professionals, most children with arthritis live full and active lives. There are various types of childhood arthritis, which can last from several months to many years. In every instance, early diagnosis and treatment can help avoid joint damage.
Learn About the Legislation Affecting People with Arthritis
As a patient, it is important to be aware of the legislation that may impact your treatment, and it is equally important that you speak out on your behalf. Learn more about the current issues impacting the rheumatology community and the care you receive.
