The Classification Of Types Of Lupus

An important feature of systemic lupus erythematosus and autoimmune diseases in general, is the multiplicity of symptoms generated. When the compromised immune system becomes confused and target the blood cells and tissues instead of foreign antigens, the disease can affect almost every part of the body, produce a variety of symptoms, often unusual autoimmune diseases groups. Lupus commonly affects the joints, skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs or even the brain (central nervous system). The symptoms generally produced by lupus and other similar autoimmune diseases are non-specific in nature and are frequently misleading in the diagnosis of disease. Lupus often generates symptoms such as pronounced fatigue, body weakness, pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints, fever, kidney damage and rashes.

Medical scientists have not been able to find a cure for lupus. With proper treatment most patients with lupus can live healthy and active lives. The progression of lupus is fluctuating and unpredictable, alternating between periods of disease exacerbation of symptoms and periods of remission. The term "lupus" encompasses a variety of different types that can be classified as follows:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common type of lupus, has a pronounced polyvalent character. The systemic form of lupus can affect various parts of the body and cause a wide variety of non-specific symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Lupus is considered a highly problematic disease, being difficult to diagnose and often requiring treatment being combined.

Discoid lupus erythematosus is a type of lupus that affects mainly the skin. In the absence of appropriate treatment, discoid lupus can become systemic over time. In the early stages of progression, discoid lupus produces inflammation and rashes on the face, scalp or other parts of the body. Skin lesions caused by discoid lupus may also involve scaling and blistering. Although lupus rash can improve or even completely clear with treatment, they tend to occur after a certain period of time.

Induced lupus is a rare form of the disease that occurs as a result of intolerance to drugs. This type of lupus produces symptoms that are very similar to systemic lupus erythematosus: rash, unexplained fever, pulmonary and coronary affections, and arthritis. However, unlike the systemic form of the disease, drug-induced lupus contains no renal impairment and often disappears when the offending drug is administered. The most common drugs that have been identified to cause drug-induced lupus are: hydralazine (Apresoline), methyldopa (Aldomet), procainamide (Procan), isoniazid (INH), quinidine (Quinaglute), phenytoin (Dilantin) and carbamazepine ( Tegretol).

This last type of lupus refers to the neonatal form of the disease. Neonatal lupus is a rare disease that affects newborns of mothers diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus or other similar autoimmune diseases. Children affected by this type of lupus often suffer from congenital heart disease and circulatory problems. Sometimes children with neonatal lupus may also suffer from disorders of the liver disease and skin. When the disease is diagnosed, life expectancy in young patients and the general condition can be improved with treatment. Immediate medical intervention is crucial for patients with suspected neonatal lupus.