LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Although we do not know the exact cause of lupus, we do know that some people appear to possess genes which influence the immune system and predispose them to develop the disease. The immune system normally helps us develop protection ("immunity") against viruses, and bacteria. But the immune system can behave abnormally, as in allergic individuals who produce an excess amount of a particular antibody (IgE).

Specifically, people with lupus produce an excess of antibodies to some of their own cells or the contents of these cells. In some patients, this excess production anti-self antibodies is due to the deficiency of a group of regulatory or suppressor cells; in others, it may represent a defect in the cells that normally make antibodies. An excess of female hormones may contribute to this antibody formation. These antibodies attack cells and thereby cause inflammation, cell injury, and even cell destruction. The antibodies often combine with the products of normal cell breakdown and form what are called "immune complexes" Immune complexes are normally removed from the blood by the spleen and other cells to prevent them from causing harm. However, in people with lupus this clearance system does not work properly, resulting in deposits of immune complexes in the skin (causing a rash), the kidneys (causing nephritis), the joints (causing arthritis), and elsewhere in the body.

 What Causes a Lupus Episode?

Lupus is a disease characterized by periods of remission (little if any symptoms of inflammation) and periods of activity (causing inflammation).

What triggers these flares?

It varies  from patient to patient. sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light can cause a rash and can, on occasion, trigger a generalized systemic flare. an infection, whether viral, bacterial or other, may cause systemic flare. bodily injury or surgery may be the cause. some people feel that stress, overexertion, exhaustion, nervous tension and emotional upsets can also trigger a flare. In many instances, however, the triggering factor(s) of a flare are a mystery. some medications have been implicated in lupus flares, but it may be difficult to tell whether the disease or illness for which the drug prescribed or the drug itself caused the flare.

information by:-
Peter Scbur, M.D.
professor of Medicine, Harvard medical School
Director of Lupus Clinic & Research
Brigham  and Women's Hospital