Basics
What is lupus?
A chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues and organs.
What is the name of the rash commonly seen on the face of lupus patients?
Butterfly or malar rash.
Which test is almost always positive in lupus patients?
Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) test.
What type of medication is commonly used to relieve pain and swelling in mild lupus cases?
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs).
Which organ is most commonly damaged in severe lupus cases?
The kidneys
What does the term “autoimmune” mean?
It means the immune system mistakenly targets and damages the body’s own healthy cells.
Name two general symptoms of lupus that affect daily life.
Fatigue and joint pain (other acceptable: fever, stiffness, or swelling).
What is urinalysis used for in lupus diagnosis?
To check for kidney inflammation or protein in the urine.
Which antimalarial drug is also used to treat lupus?
Hydroxychloroquine.
What heart-related complication can lupus cause?
Pericarditis or inflammation of the heart lining.
What is the most common form of lupus that affects multiple organ systems?
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
What does it mean when a lupus patient experiences a “flare”?
A sudden worsening or reappearance of symptoms after a period of improvement.
Name one specific antibody that confirms lupus.
Anti-dsDNA or Anti-Smith (Anti-Sm) antibodies.
What are corticosteroids used for in lupus management?
To quickly reduce inflammation during severe flares.
Name one lung or nervous system complication caused by lupus.
Lung inflammation (pleuritis) or seizures/strokes.
Why is lupus more common in women aged 15–45?
Because estrogen and other female hormones can increase immune system activity, raising the risk of autoimmune disease.
How does the immune system cause inflammation and tissue damage in lupus?
Autoantibodies attack body tissues, forming immune complexes that deposit in organs and trigger inflammation.
How do ESR and CRP tests help in managing lupus?
They measure the level of inflammation in the body and help track disease activity.
Explain why long-term corticosteroid use can be risky.
It can cause side effects such as weight gain, high blood pressure, weakened bones, and increased infection risk.
How can lupus lead to cardiovascular disease over time?
Chronic inflammation damages blood vessels, increasing plaque buildup and risk of heart disease.
Explain how genetic and environmental factors together contribute to the development of lupus.
Certain genes increase susceptibility, but environmental triggers (UV light, infections, or stress) can activate the immune response that leads to lupus.
Explain why lupus is called “the great imitator.”
Because its symptoms mimic many other diseases, making it difficult to diagnose accurately.
Why might a doctor perform a kidney biopsy on a lupus patient, and what can it reveal?
To assess the extent of kidney damage and determine the severity of lupus nephritis, guiding treatment decisions.
How do biologic therapies like belimumab work to treat lupus?
They target specific immune cells (B cells) or proteins that promote inflammation, reducing autoimmune activity without suppressing the entire immune system.
Despite being a serious chronic illness, why do most lupus patients today have a good prognosis?
Early diagnosis, improved medications, and lifestyle management allow 80–90% of patients to live a normal lifespan with controlled symptoms.