Lupus : suspected ( initial tests )

Lupus, or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, and blood cells. It is characterized by periods of illness (flares) and wellness (remission). The immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, causing inflammation and tissue damage. Lupus is more common in women, especially of childbearing age, and its cause remains largely unknown, with genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors implicated in its development.

Types of Lupus

1. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): The most common form, affecting multiple organ systems with varying degrees of severity.
2. Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE): Primarily affects the skin, presenting as a rash, often on the face, neck, and scalp. It's subdivided into several types, including discoid lupus and subacute cutaneous lupus.
3. Drug-induced Lupus Erythematosus (DILE): Caused by certain prescription drugs and usually resolves after the medication is stopped. Symptoms are similar to SLE but less severe.
4. Neonatal Lupus: A rare condition that affects newborns of mothers with certain autoantibodies. Symptoms may include skin rash, liver problems, and low blood cell counts, but most symptoms resolve within several months after birth.