Systemic lupus erythematosus: safe and effective management in primary care.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder that frequently affects women of childbearing age. A diagnosis is made by confirming the presence of at least 4 of 11 criteria proposed by the American College of Rheumatology. Almost all patients should take hydroxychloroquine and most require corticosteroids, with immunosuppressive drugs frequently given as well. With better management, patients with lupus live longer but are at increased risk of disease and treatment-related complications, including infection, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. These problems should be monitored and treated in the primary care setting.
Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Alabama, 3301 Knollwood Drive, Mobile, AL 36693, USA. jmichals@usouthal.edu
Joseph P
JP
Michalski
Charles
C
Kodner
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000032:analysis; D017152:Antibodies, Antiphospholipid / Q000032:analysis; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006886:Hydroxychloroquine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D058007:Physicians, Primary Care; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012307:Risk Factors
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D017152:Antibodies, Antiphospholipid; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D006886:Hydroxychloroquine; D011241:Prednisone