Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus Causes
The most common cause of SLE is genetic factors. Environmental factors also trigger the disease such as stress, exposure to sunlight, hormonal imbalance and infection. Some medication can cause SLE, one example is antidepressant. Discoid Lupus patient may also develop SLE.
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus Definition
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus or Systemic Lupus Erythamatosus is a systemic disorder cause by autoimmune response of the body. The immune system fights against own body cells that leads to inflammation of the tissues that affects different parts of the body. It occurs in unexpected times, this period is called "flares".
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus Diagnosis
A serologic testing such as Anti- Nuclear Testing and Anti- Extractable Nuclear Antigen (anti-ENA) are done to diagnose SLE, but anti-smith and anti-dsDNA antibodies are more specific. Other exam that support SLE diagnosis are Immune system level test, electrolytes and renal function test, liver enzyme and complete blood count.
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus Symptoms and Signs
Common initial manifestation are fever , body weakness, joint pain, muscle pain and fatigue. Some symptoms depends on affected organs, the patient shows rashes on the face or butterfly rash, discoid lupus, alopecia, mouth, nasal, skin and vaginal lesion, small joint pain such as fingers and wrist are affected. Anemia and iron deficiency, low platelet and white blood cell counts, thrombotic disorder may show in blood test. It also causes inflammation of the heart, lungs, pancreas and liver. Hematuria or proteinuria are presents due to renal impairement. Seizures and psychosis are the symptoms when it already affects the brain.
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus Treatment
SLE is not curable, but there is palliative treatment for the patient. Non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, ultraviolet radiation and lifestyle modification and anti malaria helps control the disease and prevent the symptoms to occur, analgesic for symptoms of pain, Immunosuppressant drugs and bone marrow transplant are still under investigation for the cure of SLE.
Drugs used for treatment of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Chloroquine