Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a disease of unknown cause, which damages tissues and cellular structure by autoantibodies and immune complexes. The majority of patients are women in 20-40 year age range, but children, men, and the elderly are not protected. SLE can be confused with rheumatoid arthritis, various forms of dermatitis, multiple sclerosis, psychiatric disorders, other neurologic disorders along with hematologic problems. Many autoimmune disorders have similar symptoms, which can make a clear diagnosis difficult.

The immune system responds with polyclonal and antigen-specific T and B lymphyocyte hyperactivity and inadequate modulation of this over activity. These responses are inter-related with genetic susceptibility and the environmental influences on our immune system. Patients must inherit multiple abnormal genes to be susceptible.

Environmental factors include ultraviolet B and A wavelengths of light. Over 70% of patients are photosensitive. Studies of viral/retroviral and bacterial disease inducers have been inclusive. The metabolism of estrogenic and androgenic hormones may be abnormal in lupus patients. Sex hormones also influence immune tolerance.

Systemic symptoms of Lupus include fatigue, malaise, fever, anorexia nausea, and weight loss in over 90% of patients. Musculoskeletal symptoms include bone and muscle pain, hand deformities, and muscle wasting and inflammation. Cutaneous signs of malar "butterfly" rash on the face and Nasal Bridge, photosensitivity, and multiple other skin appearances are typical of Lupus. Additional signs and symptoms are seen in hematologic, neurologic, cardiopulmonary, renal, gastrointestinal, and ocular systems.

Laboratory testing reveals that 95% of lupus patients have a positive antinuclear antibody test. A positive test supports the diagnosis, but is not specific. A negative test makes the diagnosis unlikely, but not impossible. Antibodies to double-stranded DNA (Anti-DNA) and to small nuclear RNA (Anti-Sm) are relatively specific to SLE. The Westergren Erythrocyte Sedimentation test correlates with disease activity in these patients.

Prognosis of survival in SLE patients is 90-95% at 2 years, 82-90% at 5 years, 71-80% at 10 years, and 63-75% at 20 years. Involvement of organ systems effects the prognosis.

Treatment for SLE is complex and there is no known cure, only control of acute problems. NSAIDS which include the COX-2 inhibitors is one of the first line therapies. Antimalarials like hydroxychloroquine have had a positive impact on dermatitis, fatigue, and lupus arthritis.

Side effects are uncommon, but include visual toxicity, rash, muscle wasting, and numbness in extremities.

Glucocorticoid immunosuppression has been found to control life-threatening symptoms of SLE.

Undesirable side effects of chronic glucocorticoid treatment include cushingnoid appearance, weight gain, hypertension, infection, capillary fragility, acne, hirsutism, accelerated osteoporosis, ischemic necrosis of bone, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes mellitus, myopathy, low potassium, irregular menses, irritability, insomnia, and psychosis.

Cytotoxic Agents (azathioprine, chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and mycophenolate mofetil) can be beneficial in controlling active disease and reducing the amount of glucocorticoids. The combinations of cytotoxic agents and glucocorticoids have given improved survival.

Undesirable side effects include bone marrow suppression, increased infections with opportunistic viruses and bacteria, irreversible ovarian failure, liver toxicity, bladder toxicity, hair loss, and increased risk of cancer.

Glyconutritional supplements, which have no negative effect on the immune system, are a whole new field of medicine. These supplements may actually support the immune system by influencing the function of the body at the cellular level.

It is therefore imperative that treatment be aggressive to control the overactive immune system, without causing any undue side effects that will affect overall health in the future. Natural immune modulators have the ability to help the immune system without hurting the body.

Glyconutritional supplements are not intended to treat a specific disease process, nor are they intended to replace a prescription medication. They are intended to augment or assist the immune system in returning to better function.

Ask your health care professional about new and beneficial Glyconutritional supplements