Lupus (Systemic lupus erythematosus)

At present, there is no specific cure for the disease, and treatment focus on reducing symptoms and preventing permanent damage to organs and tissues.

The disease is found in adults and children and is more common people of in Asian, Hispanic, African American origin.

Approximately 15% of cases of SLE are diagnosed before the age of 18. When diagnosed before puberty, the disease affects more females than males at the ratio of 5:1.

SLE can run in families with children inheriting genetic factors from their parents that predispose them to developing the disease.

Sun exposure without sunscreen, some viral infections and certain medications are thought to increase the risk of developing SLE where there are inherited genetic factors.

• Arthritis or pain and swelling of the hands, wrists, elbows and knees or other joints is the most common symptom in children. Pain may move around the body.
• Butterfly rash that extends across the cheeks and bridge of the nose. This is a hallmark of Lupus.
• Discoid-lupus rash that is raised, scaly and coin shaped appearing on face, ears, chest or arms.
• Photosensitivity of the skin when exposed to sunlight.
• Pleuritis, or inflammation of the lining around the lungs causing chest pain when breathing. Pericarditis, inflammation of the heart lining can also occur.
• Nephritis, or kidney inflammation is present in most children with SLE. This may be mild, although in severe cases the urine may be dark and the legs or feet swollen.
• Headaches, seizures, mood changes, depression and sometimes, psychosis can occur.
• Blood disorders including certain types of anaemia, reduced platelets or low levels of white blood cells.
• The presence of specific antibodies in the blood can assist in the diagnosis of SLE.

To diagnose SLE, a range of laboratory tests using blood and urine are required.

When first diagnosed SLE may be very active and require high doses of medication to control the symptoms. In many cases, treatment brings the condition under control which may in time go into remission with only occasional flare ups.

• Download A young person’s guide to Lupus
• Read Arthritis Australia’s information sheet

Medication

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as naproxen, ibuprofen and indomethacin
• Hydroxychloroquine
• Corticosteroids

Additional Resources for About Lupus symptoms & conditions

• Lupus and Medications
• Lupus and Light Sensitivity
• Lupus and the Kidneys
• Lupus and Other Conditions
• Lupus the Skin and Hair
• Lupus the Joints and Muscles

If you are using the internet to search for information about you child’s disease, in addition to the excellent Australian resources listed above, we recommend information provided by Paediatric Rheumatology InterNational Trials Organisation (PRINTO)

PRINTO is an international public network of academic and/or clinical centres engaged in the research and clinical care of children with paediatric rheumatic diseases. They collect a lot of information world-wide and so the information they provide is reliable and up-to-date.