The most common cause of death is infection due to immunosuppression, a result in turn of medications intended to manage the disease. Chances are worse for men and children than for women. After the age of 60, the disease tends to turn benign. The only marker of prognosis in lupus is the anti-ds DNA antibody test and the most sensitive is the Anti-Smith test (Wikipedia) The standard treatment for lupus has been limited to drugs, such as corticosteroids, anti-malarials and chemotherapy drugs (Wikipedia 2006). The only FDA-approved treatment has been the anti-malarial, Plaquenil. Researches into modern treatment have been enhanced by genetic discoveries, the mapping of the human genome in particular. There has been increased awareness and education about the disease since the 60s, which have also extended help to many sufferers. Records said there were approximately 270,000 to 1.5 million people stricken with lupus. There is no single test for lupus and it can take months or years to detect or diagnose it (National Institute of Health 2005). Many stools may be used for medical history, a complete examination, blood tests, skin biopsy, and kidney biopsy. Current treatment may involve a family doctor, a rheumatologist, a clinical immunologist, nephrologists, hematologist, dermatologist, neurologist, nurses, psychologist, and social worker. Their common goals will be to prevent or treat flares, reduce organ damage as well as swelling and pain (National Institute of Health). There have also been findings, which say that lupus affects African women three times more than Caucasians, Asians, Hispanics and Native Americans (Spencer 2006). Although survival rates have improved, more than half of SLE patients sustain permanent damage in one or more organ systems (Petri 1998). The most common manifestations are renal, hematologic and neurologic and which worsen the condition or conduce to death (Petri).

The major concentration of physicians in managing SLE patients is to treat the active phase without allowing the treatment to cause long-term damage (Petri 1998). This goal, in...

Physicians are now generally reluctant to use immunosuppressive drugs, like azathioprine or cyclophosphamide. Treatment of active SLE differs according to organ systems and the severity of the disease. The disease continues to evolve over time, hence, a patient with skin and joint disease remains at risk for renal disease after developing lupus for decades. Continued monitoring, even when the disease appears clinically inactive, is important. The patient must establish a strong relationship with his or her primary care physician, the rheumatologist and other physicians involved in his or her treatment (Petri).
Other immunosuppressants and autologous stem cell transplants are under investigation in the greater management of SLE (Wikipedia 2006). Recent studies have been conducted to modify a particular sub-set of immune cells, such as E- or T-cells, or certain proteins they secrete. Until success is achieved, SLE patients are advised to live normal, active healthy lives, to manage the symptoms, treat flare-ups as soon as possible and never to miss or change their medications (Spencer 2006) to complement research efforts towards gaining greater knowledge and understanding of the disease and how to combat it.

Bibliography

1. Arthritis Society, The. (2002). Lupus: Quick Fact Sheet. http://www.arthritis.ca/types%20%of%20arthritis/lupus/default.asp?s=1

2. National Institute of Health. (2005). What is Lupus? Fast Facts. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niamo.nih.gov/hi/topis/lupus/ff_lupus.htm

3. Petri, M. (1998). Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: an Update. American Family Physician: The American Academy of Family Physicians. http://www.aafp.org/afp/980600ap/petri.html

4. Spencer, L. (2006). Lupus in African Women. Blackwomen's Health. http://www.blackwomenshealth.com/lupus.htm

5. Wikipedia. (2006). Lupus Erythematosus. Media Wiki. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/lupus_erythematosus