Systemic Lupus Research Paper

1331 Words6 Pages
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Lupus is characterized as an autoimmune disease whose affects impact nearly every part of the body including joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood, and/or brain (“Cardiopulmonary”). Autoimmune diseases occur when the body essentially attacks itself – white blood cells and antibodies designed to protect organisms from viruses and bacteria mistake body cells for foreign material. Antibodies involved in lupus are known as autoantibodies, antibodies that attack the organism. These autoantibodies lead to inflammation, which plays a major role in many of the dangerous side effects of lupus. (“X-Plain”). Symptoms of lupus vary greatly from person to person and range from moderate to severe, usually initially…show more content…
Composed of the heart, blood, and blood vessels, the cardiovascular system is responsible for the circulation of blood through the body, transporting oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and other vital elements needed to maintain the health of cells and tissues (“Cardiopulmonary”). Made up of four chambers, two on each side, the heart’s primary job is to pump oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. The first two chambers, the left and right atrium, are located in the upper part of the heart and collects blood as it cycles through. The second two chambers, the left and right ventricles, are located in the bottom part of the heart, and they are responsible for pumping blood out of the heart. Important for blood circulation, arteries and veins make up the vascular system. Arteries carry blood away from the heart and have thick walls with a circular covering of yellow, elastic fibers. They divide into smaller arterioles and then into even smaller capillaries, the smallest of the blood vessels. Capillaries then join together to form small veins, which flow into the larger, main veins. They carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart…show more content…
Drugs are used to prevent flares, treat flares when they do occur, and minimize complications (“X-Plain”). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to treat people with joint or chest pain or fever. Antimalarials, originally used to treat malaria, are another common drug used to treat lupus. Studies have shown that continuous treatment with antimalarials prevent flares from occurring, and treat fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and inflammation of the lungs. However, the basis of lupus treatment involves corticosteroids, a drug related to cortisol, a natural anti-inflammatory hormone. These are potent drugs, so doctors must seek the lowest dosage with the greatest benefits. Finally, immunosuppressives may be used for patients with kidney or central nervous system problems. These drugs restrain the overcharged immune system by hindering the production of immune cells. Although the symptoms of lupus can be uncomfortable and the complications life threatening, the disease can be managed and those suffering from it can maintain a high quality of life
Open Document