Dr. João Lagoas Gomes
Rheumatology
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that, as the name suggests, can involve multiple organs and systems of the human body.
However, the severity spectrum of the disease varies widely, ranging from a condition confined to the skin to severe cases affecting vital organs such as the kidneys or central nervous system.
Common symptoms of this condition include chronic fatigue, joint pain (arthralgia) with or without joint inflammation (arthritis), sun-sensitive skin lesions such as butterfly-shaped malar rash, Raynaud's phenomenon (paleness of fingertips), gastrointestinal symptoms, and respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath (dyspnea) or persistent cough.
Diagnosis is based on clinical manifestations and laboratory test results. Diagnosing SLE is not always straightforward due to the wide range of associated symptoms. However, diagnosis should not rely solely on laboratory test results. Treatment depends on clinical manifestations, but generally involves immunomodulatory drugs that help control the inflammatory activity of the disease.
The implementation of therapeutic strategies aiming for clinical remission in lupus has significantly increased the average life expectancy and quality of life of patients. However, each case is unique, and the therapeutic approach should always take this into account.
Useful Links: