Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that can affect any system and organ in the body. For the 1.4 million people in the United States who have lupus, an overactive immune system senses that different parts of the body do not belong, and it attacks these parts. The immune system may strike the cells that line the joints or tendons, for example, causing pain and swelling. An incredibly complex disease, lupus must be properly treated for the optimal health and well-being of the person who has it. The Lupus Encyclopedia is an authoritative compendium that provides detailed explanations of every body system potentially affected by the disease, along with practical advice about coping. People with lupus, their loved ones, caregivers, and medical professionals—all will find here an invaluable resource. Illustrated with photographs, diagrams, and tables, The Lupus Encyclopedia explains symptoms, diagnostic methods, medications and their potential side effects, and when to seek medical attention. Dr. Donald Thomas provides information for women who wish to become pregnant and advises readers about working with a disability, complementary and alternative medicine, infections, cancer, and a host of other topics.
List of Illustrations List of Tables Foreword, by George C. Tsokos, MD Preface Acknowledgments Part I: Definitions, Causes, and Diagnosis of Autoimmune Disease 1. What Is Lupus and How Is It Diagnosed? 2. The Other Systemic Autoimmune Diseases 3. What Causes Lupus? 4. The Meaning of All Those Test Results Part II: How Lupus Affects the Body 5. How SLE Directly Affects the Body 6. Constitutional Symptoms 7. The Musculoskeletal System 8. Skin and Mucous Membranes 9. Blood and Lymph Systems 10. The Respiratory System 11. The Heart and Blood Vessels 12. The Urinary System 13. The Nervous System 14. The Exocrine Gland System 15. The Digestive System 16. Eyes 17. The Endocrine System 18. The Reproductive System and Pregnancy 19. Special Populations and Surgery 20. Prognosis Part III: Other Complications of Lupus and Their Treatments 21. Heart Attacks and Strokes 22. Infections 23. Cancer and SLE 24. Osteoporosis 25. Avascular Necrosis of Bone 26. Adrenal Insufficiency 27. Fibromyalgia 28. Gastroesophageal Reflux and Stomach Ulcers Part IV: Treatment of Lupus 29. General Treatment of Lupus 30. Anti-Malarials 31. Steroids 32. Immunosuppressants 33. Biologic Agents 34. Benlysta: The First FDA-Approved Drug for Lupus in More Than Fifty Years 35. Other Therapies for SLE 36. Prescription Pain Medicines 37. Future Treatments for SLE 38. Nonmedical Therapies for Lupus 39. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Part V: Practical Matters 40. Talking to Your Doctor and Deciphering Symptoms 41. Becoming Pregnant, Breast-Feeding, and Using Contraception 42. Health Insurance and Affording Healthcare 43. Working and Dealing with Disability 44. The Lupus Secrets Checklist Patient Resources Bibliography Index
""We can't imagine a more thorough, readable guide to lupus than this.""
