Systemic Lupus Research Paper

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is an autoimmune disease, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. To fight diseases our bodies produce antibodies, but in an SLE patient’s case, their body will produce what’s called ‘autoantibodies’. This means their immune system cannot tell the difference between foreign invaders and healthy cells. These autoantibodies cause the symptoms of the disease. Lupus can affect the skin, joints, organs/muscles, etc. SLE most commonly affects women as opposed to men, and African and Asian races as opposed to any other race. Symptoms usually appear between the ages 15 to 44. According to MEDLINEplus.gov, Drug-Induced SLE can be triggered in an overreaction …show more content…
Etanercept is taken for varying forms of arthritis. It is a TNF blocker, and works by blocking protein (TNF-alpha) that causes inflammation. However, its side effects include the weakening of the immune system, which can cause autoimmune diseases. Adalimumab treats various inflammatory conditions including, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, etc. If you are taking a TNF blocker (like Etanercept) you can develop cancers like Lymphoma. Tuberculosis is also …show more content…
It famously appears in a “butterfly” configuration spreading across the bridge of the nose and cheeks. Some forms of Lupus are associated with photosensitivity, meaning patients must wear broad-spectrum sunscreen and install UV-blocking films on windows in the car/home, to prevent the risk of irritating the rash. Usually symptoms will dissipate within several days to weeks after ending the medication that triggered the