Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease. In an autoimmune disease, the body's immune system mistakes healthy tissues and organs as foreign and potentially dangerous invaders into the body and attacks them. This results in inflammation that eventually can damage and destroy the affected tissues and organs. Medications commonly used to treat lupus include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil) and aspirin. NSAIDs are very effective in treating the pain and inflammation of mild lupus.

Extrapolation of Prevalence Rate of Lupus is 20,431 among the estimated population of 3,969,558² in Ireland. The secondary objectives of this study are to assess the safety and tolerability of BIIB023 compared with placebo in this study population. Participants who complete this study through Week 52 will be offered the option to enter an Extension study under a separate protocol 211LE202 (NCT0193089). However, long-term use of NSAIDs can cause serious, even life threatening, side effects and adverse events.

Anti-inflammatory drugs can help control arthritis symptoms; skin lesions may respond to topical treatment such as corticosteroid creams. Oral steroids, such as prednisone, are used for the systemic symptoms. Wearing protective clothing and sunscreen when outdoors is recommended. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, may also be used to reduce inflammation in lupus. Anti-malarial drugs may also be used to treat the joint pain and inflammation of lupus.

NIAMS researchers have found a gene linked to a higher risk of lupus kidney disease in African Americans. Changes in this gene keep the immune system from removing harmful germ-fighters from the body after they've done their job. Other genes may also play a role.Lupus is more common in women than in men. Researchers are looking into the role of hormones and other male-female differences. One NIAMS project is testing a new drug that scientists hope will have milder side effects than standard treatments.