Screening and Diagnosis

Lupus has symptoms that vary considerably from person to person. In addition, problems that are associated with the disease change over time and can overlap with those of other disorders. It is because of this that doctors may not consider lupus until the symptoms become more obvious.

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of lupus are:

• Malar rash — a butterfly-shaped rash that covers the bridge of the nose and spreads across the cheeks
• Discoid rash - raised scaly patches
• Prolonged or extreme fatigue
• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Arthritis
• Inflammation of the lining of the heart or lung (serositis)
• Kidney disease
• Fever more than 100 degrees F
• Hair loss
• Oral ulcers
• Raynaud's phenomenon (fingers turning white
  and/or blue in the cold)
• A blood disorder, such as anemia, low platelets, or a low white cell count
• Anti-nuclear antibody, an indication that you may have an autoimmune disease
• Immunological disorder — a positive double-stranded anti-DNA test, positive anti-Sm test, positive antiphospholipid antibody or false-positive syphilis test — any one of which may indicate an autoimmune disease
• A neurological disorder, such as seizures or psychosis

Because many of the symptoms of lupus mimic other illnesses, and are sometimes vague, or may come and go, lupus can often be difficult to diagnose. There is no single lab test to determine if a person has lupus or not. A careful medical examination, the indivdual's symptoms, and analysis of routine and specialized laboratory tests related to immune status will assist the physician in making a diagnosis of lupus.

Treatment

Treatment for lupus is based on the specific needs and symptoms of each person. Because the characteristics and course of lupus may vary significantly among people, it is important to emphasize that a thorough medical evaluation and ongoing medical supervision are essential to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Medications are often prescribed for lupus, depending on the severity of the organs involved. Some of the most commonly prescribed medications include:

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS)
• Acetaminophen (mild analgesic for pain)
• Corticosteroids (steroids)
• Antimalarials (Hydroxychloroquine or Chloroquine)
• Immunomodulating Drugs (cytotoxic or immunosuppressive drugs)
• Anticoagulants (blood thinner to prevent rapid blood clotting)