Book chapter
55 - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Women and Health, pp 704-723
2000
Abstract
This chapter presents an overview of the disease manifestations and treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that occurs predominantly in women during their childbearing years. The disease course is marked by exacerbations and remissions. This multisystem disease is characterized by the production of auto-antibodies and the occurrence of tissue damage from the deposition of the antibodies in immune complexes. Immune dysregulation probably occurs from environmental triggers in the genetically susceptible host. Diagnosis is generally not difficult when many typical symptoms and signs are present but may be more problematic when the disease manifests as only a few complaints or when problems occur over time. Therapeutic options for SLE offer increasing hope. For the first time since the 1970s, clinical trials in lupus are being conducted. Drugs that have been used in other diseases are finding new use in lupus. Results from clinical trials indicate that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) treatment improves SLE disease activity and reduces corticosteroid requirements. The prolactin antagonist bromocriptine shows promise in suppressing active SLE. Clinical studies indicate that bromocriptine decreases serum prolactin levels, suppresses anti-dsDNA antibodies, significantly reduces lupus disease activity, and reduces SLE flares.
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Details
- Title
- 55 - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Creators
- Rosalind Ramsey-Goldman - Northwestern UniversitySusan Manzi - University of Pittsburgh
- Publication Details
- Women and Health, pp 704-723
- Publisher
- Academic Press
- Resource Type
- Book chapter
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- General Internal Medicine
- Other Identifier
- 991021933897304721