THESystemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, is an autoimmune disease that can now be controlled with new drugs. Which even allow you to face a pregnancy
In nine cases out of ten to suffer from systemic lupus erythematosus they are women aged between 15 and 45. Lupus is an autoimmune disease yet to be revealed and therefore at the center of research. Those affected find themselves dealing with a complex pathology and a range of symptoms, from dermatological problems to concentration deficits, which are difficult to explain to family, friends and colleagues. Yes, because it is not easy to make people understand that the oscillations between periods of well-being and others in which one is knocked out are not the result of the mind, but a real characteristic of the disease.
Lupus: Disorders come and go
It is also to raise awareness of these aspects that a world day dedicated to SLE, as it is more commonly called, was established on May 10th. «Research has shown us that lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease, that is, it can affect multiple organs and systems» underlines Marta Mosca, head of the Lupus Clinic, Pisa University Hospital. «Today we also know that it has a particular trend, with remissions and exacerbations that manifest themselves in an unpredictable way, without an apparent cause, and which for this very reason destabilize and lead to isolation». Symptoms include exaggerated tiredness, even very intense joint pain, rashes on the skin, kidney problems, memory or attention problems that are not linked to periods of stress.
The newest drugs
“The researchers’ effort is also aimed at identifying drugs capable of treating the disease, which is not possible at the moment” adds Professor Mosca. «However, we have at our disposal a range of active ingredients with anti-inflammatory action, such as corticosteroids, and specific monoclonal antibodies to be used alone or in combination, as indicated by the latest guidelines just published. With therapy we can contain flare-ups. Of course, it is not an easy disease and for this reason those who suffer from it must be followed in an ad hoc centre, with multidisciplinary teams capable of controlling the various disorders.” And, we add, to allow pregnancy to those who want it. Today, in fact, women who receive a diagnosis of lupus must know that it is possible to have a baby, but that strict control is essential: using only drugs without risks for the fetus and following a heparin-based therapy to thin the blood and keep the danger of thrombosis is removed and the pregnancy can be successfully completed.
Habits to adopt
May 10th is World Lupus Day, created by the World Patients Association to raise awareness of this still unknown disease. As? With the hashtags WorldLupusDay and MakeLupusVisible to connect with patients, families, researchers, exchange ideas, discover new strategies that other people are already using to feel better. Starting from a correct lifestyle. At the table, a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruit, legumes, fish, and low in fats and animal proteins. It is also important to stop smoking, avoid exposure to the sun, choose techniques such as mindfulness or yoga to keep stress away and improve the quality of sleep.
Here are the centers that help you
They are called Lupus Clinic and are the ad hoc centers for the diagnosis and treatment of SLE. Don’t know where to find them? Connect to the Patient Association website, il LES Italian Group ODV: lupus-italy.org/p/gruppoles.html. Or contact toll-free number 800227978.
