Lupus Remains Incurable, But Research Offers Hope

Course overview

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly referred to simply as lupus, is an incurable disease, and one that is difficult to diagnosis. In actuality, there are three main types of lupus: cutaneous lupus erythematosus, drug-induced lupus erythematosus and systemic lupus erythematosus. The most common symptoms are aching joints, fever, swollen joints, fatigue, butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose, sunlight sensitivity, and mouth or nose ulcers. The medications most commonly used to treat SLE are NSAIDS, corticosteroids and antimalarial drugs. As many as 1.5 million Americans may have lupus. Healthcare providers are likely to encounter patients with the disorder in a number of inpatient, ambulatory and community settings. Healthcare providers should be familiar with the causes, symptoms and most common treatment of lupus so they can meet patient and family needs.