Diagnosis and Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

This podcast explores systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune condition with varied manifestations, affecting mostly women of color, typically in their 20s to 40s. Initial symptoms often include joint pain, rashes, and hair loss, detectable through lab work like complete blood counts and ANA tests. While ANA tests are sensitive, they have a high false positive rate, requiring rheumatologist referral for further evaluation. First-line therapy involves hydroxychloroquine to decrease disease activity and improve long-term outcomes, though newer therapies like Belimumab, voclasporin, and anifrolumab are available for more severe cases. While steroids can manage flares, their use is minimized due to adverse effects. The discussion also covers the increased risk of cardiovascular disease and specific malignancies like non-Hodgkin's lymphoma associated with lupus. Dr. Caroline Siegel offers insights from her JAMA Narrative Review on the topic.