...Lupus Erythematous: The Butterfly Effect Lupus erythematosus (LE) first originated in 1833 by many physicians throughout the historical periods of; the classical period, the neoclassical period, and the modern period. During the classical period of the 1800s, lupus was first coined. It comes from the Latin word ‘wolf’ that attributed to the thirteenth century by physician Rogerius who used the word to describe erosive facial lesions that manifested from a wolf’s bite (Lupus Foundation of America, n.d.). In the neoclassical period of the 1900s, scientists discovered that there are many sub forms of lupus, the most common type known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE has many other forms of names such as discoid and disseminated lupus....
Words: 1366 - Pages: 6
...Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Abstract Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic rheumatic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organ systems. The exact cause or causes of (SLE) is unknown, however genetic factors, gender, ethnic origin, and environmental factors have all been implicated in its development. Earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment options have significantly improved survival rates and life quality. Medical and pharmacologic treatment is usually tailored to the specific symptoms or organ systems that are involved due to its unpredictability and range of manifestations. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus affects primarily women of childbearing age and mostly in Asian, African American, and Hispanic populations. Treatment options include steroids, antimalarial drugs, and immunosuppressive agents. This overview will examine the etiology and effects of Lupus, how it impacts fertility and pregnancy in women, and life quality and expectancy. Various treatment options and alternative treatment methods will be discussed; considerations for employment and rehabilitation will be reviewed, as well as the future of therapeutic approaches. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Introduction The name “Lupus” is Latin for wolf and may have first been used to describe the lesions that resembled the bite marks and scratches made by a wolf's attack. The term “Lupus Erythematosus” was first introduced by physicians in the nineteenth century to describe skin lesions...
Words: 5355 - Pages: 22
...Anatomy and Physiology Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to fight against parts of the body that it is designed to protect, not harm. This leads to inflammation and tissue damage in the affected organ. SLE can affect many parts of the body including the skin, the joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and the brain. Typically, SLE is characterized by periods of illness, which are called flares, and periods of wellness, or remission. The key to keeping SLE under control is understanding how to prevent flares and how to treat them when they occur. The cause of SLE is not fully understood, but research suggests that genetics play an important role in its cause. Other factors that contribute...
Words: 1691 - Pages: 7
...LUPUS(SLE) Lupus (SLE) Introduction While there are numerous diseases that threaten the health of people, there are some that have only been discovered or are being attributed to the recent developments in medical sciences. Among the new kinds of diseases, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a major threat. Lupus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease, which makes the affected person's immune system hyperactive (Hughes, 2000). This entices the immune system into treating all living structures as foreign. As a result, the immune system directs antibodies even towards the healthy tissue in the body since they also register as antigens for the system (Rhines, 2012). The symptoms of the disease manifests in different ways, such as in the form of tissue inflammation, or swelling. In severe cases it can even manifest in the organ systems damaging lungs, heart, kidneys, and even blood (Lahita & Phillips, 2004). Symptoms are different from person to person and at times be transient. Some of the more common symptoms include: Skin rash that may be widespread and exacerbated with exposure to sunlight, photophobia, fatigue, and chest pain when taking deep breaths (A.D.A.M., 2011). Many people maintain the opinion that there is only one type of Lupus. However, this is not the case. There are numerous kinds of lupus with the most common being Lupus (SLE) – often termed as generic Lupus. This form attacks entire organs systems...
Words: 1240 - Pages: 5
...The immune system’s job is to protect the body against diseases and other invaders that the body recognizes as foreign. Because of the immune system, our bodies are able to fight off illnesses such as the common cold. What would happen if the immune system started to attack healthy cells within your body for no known reason? Unfortunately, that is what happens to individuals who suffer from an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune disease describes a group of diseases that can affect the human organ systems. These diseases all have the same underlying problem. Which is the body’s immune system becomes defective and attacks the organs in which it was supposed to protect (Autoimmune Disease in Women, 2013). The cause is still unknown as to why the immune system can no longer tell the difference between healthy body tissues and antigens, but it is believed some microorganism, different drugs, and certain genes may increase the risk of developing an autoimmune disease (Dugdale, 2011). Having an autoimmune disease can be difficult for a person, especially in the early stages, because many do not know what to expect or have the basic knowledge on the disease. For many, these diseases can cause major complications and illnesses, especially when going untreated for long periods of time. Fortunately, with the advances in medicine and research, people, with autoimmune diseases, can live long, normal lives with proper support and treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control...
Words: 1984 - Pages: 8
...The Lupus Foundation of America approximates that there are around 1.5 million Americans affected by a form of lupus (Rooney 54). There are two main factions of lupus: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). The popular depiction of lupus as a disease associated with lesions and superficial symptoms is not necessarily an accurate portrait. Although Lupus Erythematosus gets its name from the Latin word lupus (wolf) because the lesions resembles the pattern of a wolf bite, the most common form of the disease is SLE which does not require lesions as a criteria for diagnosis (Rooney 56). The underlying concern that both DLE and SLE share is their label as an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases work by attacking self antigens and tissues as if they were foreign (McKinley, O’Loughlin and Bidle 856). By analyzing a deconstructed look at lupus we hope to gain an insight into lupus’ pathological effect on the body and its relation to the immune system. SLE occurs when the body begins to attack its own tissues without known cause. Although there is not a definitive known cause for SLE, autoantibodies can combine to form immune complexes which can effectively damage internal tissue and the hyperactivity of b-cells contributes to the symptoms (Pullen, Brewer and Ballard 23) (Porth 1422). Genetic predisposition to SLE is evidenced by an increased concordance rate in twins (10-fold), increased incidences within family members (10%-16%), and increased...
Words: 1121 - Pages: 5
...Introduction In this case Plaintiff seeks a ruling (1) vacating the Secretary’s findings determining the onset date of plaintiff’s claim for disability: (2) establishing June 8, 1983 as the onset date of plaintiff’s clam, and/or (3) in the alternative, remanding this matter to the Secretary for a new determination of the date of onset of plaintiff’s disability based on the entire medical record, under title XVI of the Social Security Act. Plaintiff believes that substantial evidence in the record as a whole supports a finding of disability prior to August 6, 1984 and that she is thus entitled to summary judgment in her favor. II. Summary of Plaintiff’s Claim Plaintiff is a forty-four year old woman who, prior to 1981, has worked continuously for the past twenty years, fifteen of those years as a typist and word processor and the last ten years operating her own typesetting and secretarial service. Her...
Words: 3000 - Pages: 12
...Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is considered one of many immune system disorders(5). SLE is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects many parts of the body through an autoimmune process(2). A natural immune system creates antibodies to fight antigens which are harmful substances such as viruses and bacteria. Whereas in SLE, the immune system does not differentiate between the natural tissues of the body and the foreign particles(5)(6). Auto-antibodies are produced that mistakenly attack the immune system itself and cause inflammation and damage to various body tissues(6)(7). The disease course is marked by remissions and relapses and may vary from mild to severe. Just like many immune system disorders,...
Words: 566 - Pages: 3
...Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B5 for Acne Virtually everyone remembers the frustrating experience of acne with small inflamed dots called pimples or blackheads. For the young woman concerned about self-image, skin complexion is important. One or two strategically placed pimples can be intolerable. For some, acne can progress, leading to scarring and disfigurement, with pitting and nodularity called Acne Vulgaris. While some are spared this chronic ordeal, others endure many years of ineffective treatments by a succession of dermatologists. Although some treatments such as Accutane™ may offer success, there is a price in terms of serious adverse side effects. What Causes Acne? Acne is caused by excess oil called sebum which originates in the sebaceous glands at the root of the hair follicles. This oily build may occlude the duct in the skin causing blockage and infection. "Popping the pimple” is a home remedy which forces the occluding plug to pop out of the pore, providing drainage and temporary relief. Common Causes of Acne Acne is a common adverse side effect of synthetic birth control pills which mimic testosterone. Elevated testosterone levels in males and females are associated with increased oil production in the skin resulting in acne. A common genetic mutation called atypical CAH (congenital adrenal hyperplasia) causes increased testosterone in females resulting in acne. PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) syndrome is associated with increased testosterone...
Words: 2860 - Pages: 12
...Well done, Tamra. I choose your case study because I did understand that there is a condition where gluten is indigestible for many people but I didn't know the actual name of the disease. While reading through the case studies, Celiac disease just sounded like it pertained to the gastrointestinal tract because I had it confused with Colic, which is along the lines of intestinal obstruction or abdominal pain due to intestinal gas, mainly in infants. The pathophysiology of a disease is often a little difficult to write in a way that all reader can comprehend in one go. I was a little confused with how exactly gluten intolerance begins and whether or not does lupus in the family predispose Rhonda to celiacs disease specifically. After researching about genetic predisposition, I feel like I learned too much because of the insane amount of information out on the web. The medical field has advanced immensely, but even today, we don't have many of the answers. The human body has a very complex and effective immune system that will rise to injurious conditions and get rid of any harmful...
Words: 566 - Pages: 3
...Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)-Hydroxychloroquine Description: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a chronic auto-immune disease that can affect and/or damage any part of the body. Systemic means that it targets systems of the body (Integumentary, Musculoskeletal, Cardiovascular, Hematologic, Lymphatic, and Immune Systems) Lupus is also a disease of flairs (worsening of symptoms and illness), and remissions (alleviation of symptoms and general good health). In Lupus, there is a deviation in the Immune system, which fights off infections from germs, viruses, and bacteria. Auto-immune means that the Immune system cannot tell the difference between these “foreign” elements and the normal, healthy tissues of the body. Signs and Symptoms: Symptoms...
Words: 781 - Pages: 4
...Lupus an Autoimmune Disease Human Body Professor E. December 2012 Abstract Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is a complex disease characterized by the appearance of autoantibodies against nuclear antigens and the involvement of multiple organ systems, including the kidneys. The exact events that trigger the onset of clinical manifestations of SLE are not yet well understood. However, research using various mouse strains impulsive and inducible lupus in the last two decades has provided insights into the role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of this disease. According to our present understanding, the immunological defects resulting in the development of SLE can be categorized into two phases: (a) systemic autoimmunity resulting in increased serum antinuclear and antiglomerular autoantibodies and (b) immunological events that occur within the target organ and result in end organ damage. TABLE OF CONTENT Abstract…………………………………………………………………….....2 Introduction…………………………………………………………………..4 Discussion……………………………………………………………………..5 What is lupus? Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease, which causes inflammation of various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints and kidneys. The body’s immune system normally makes proteins called antibodies to protect the body against viruses, bacteria and other foreign materials. These foreign materials are called antigens. In an autoimmune disorder such as lupus, the immune system loses its ability to tell the difference...
Words: 1470 - Pages: 6
...Rheumatoid Arthritis A Review of The Literature Mechanisms of Human Pathology Charles Childers Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic, autoimmune systemic inflammatory process that primarily attacks synovial joints as well as other tissues and organs of the body. This disorder is characterized by hyperplasia of synovial cells leading to an inflammatory response of the synovium that may ultimately cause destruction of articular cartilage. In cases of severe comprehensive damage joints can become ankylosed. RA is usually known to affect the wrist and hands bilaterally and symmetrically, but may be seen in any of the other synovial joints. The destruction can be progressive leading to joint deformations and disabilities.1 RA can also bring inflammation of the lungs, pleura, sclera of the eye, and pericardium. Nodules have been seen in the extensor tendons subcutaneously especially over the olecranon process. As has been reported,1 mechanistic paths to synovitis leading to this articular damage have shown tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) to take a significant part in joint inflammation responsible for the destruction. Therapies have developed to target TNF-α bringing a substantial impact on patient care. The exact etiology remains unclear in this autoimmune progressive disorder, but much is being looked at in search of an autoantigen or another triggering agent. According to Robinson,2 the importance of early diagnosis and...
Words: 4663 - Pages: 19
...losing weight, stress, heart health, liver health, and even to reduce wrinkles. These are just a few benefits of taking supplements, there are experts that say that there are places in our diet that has a definite need for supplements, but there primary goal is to fill in the gaps that we lose as nutrients. There are risks that are involved with taking dietary supplements and people need to pay close attention when taking to many supplements. Like all drugs there are side effects, Exposures to supplements (such as vitamins, herbs, protein powders, and botanicals) accounted for more than 35,000 calls to US poison control centers in 2011. Of these calls, more than 4,000 people were reportedly treated in health care facilities. More than 800 cases were described as having moderate to severe outcomes, with 4 deaths reported to poison control centers. (Dietary Supplements: What Is Safe?, n.d.) The government has regulated any product taken by mouth back in 1994 and under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, these supplements are regulated different than food is. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Much of the...
Words: 504 - Pages: 3
...Lupus Public Awareness Michelle Alexander Axia College of University of Phoenix HCA/240 February 28, 2010 Overview Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause major damage to any organ or tissue in your body. Lupus causes your immune system to become unbalanced and is of unknown etiology. In Lupus the immune system is unable to differentiate between foreign and its own systems cells and tissues. It then produces antibodies that fight the body’s own tissues. Lupus is diagnosed in 90% of women between the ages of 14-44, this is more than the men, but it can affect children and younger teens. It is found in non-whites more than Caucasians (Womens Health 2009). Lupus is not contagious or related to cancer; it is not related to or like HIV (Human Immune Deficiency Virus) or even AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Who is most affected by Lupus? Lupus can develop in all ethnic and racial groups and 9 out of 10 women. Lupus is most commonly found in women of color such as; African American, Hispanic, Latina, Asian, Pacific Islanders, Native Hawaiians, and Native American. African American women are more than three times higher to get lupus than White American women. African American and Hispanic -Latinos tend to get lupus at an early age and will have more symptoms along with kidney problems. Hispanics have more heart problems and African Americans have more seizures than the other minority groups, this is widely due to the genetics. Diagnosis...
Words: 2237 - Pages: 9
