Systemic Lupus Erythematous

Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system produces antibodies to cells within the body leading to widespread inflammation and tissue damage. 

The causes of SLE are unknown but are believed to be linked to genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. SLE may be characterized by periods of illness and remissions. 

SLE has a variety of clinical manifestations and can affect joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. 

People with SLE may experience fatigue, pain or swelling in joints, skin rashes, and fevers. A team approach in treating lupus is often warranted due to the number of organ systems involved.

According to the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA), 1.5 to 2 million Americans have some form of lupus. The prevalence is about 40 cases per 100,000 persons among Northern Europeans and 200 per 100,000 persons among African-Americans. Although the disease affects both males and females, women are diagnosed 9 times more often than men, usually between the ages of 15 and 45. African-American women suffer from more severe symptoms and a higher mortality rate.

Lupus episodes, or flares, are usually noted by a worsening of some of the following symptoms:

•Arthritis, and swollen joints, especially in wrists, small joints of the hands, elbows, knees, and ankles.

•Swelling of the hands and feet due to kidney problems.

•Fever of more than 100 degrees F or (38° C).

•Fatigue.

•Skin lesions or rashes, especially on the arms, hands, face, neck, or back.

•Butterfly-shaped rash (malar rash) across the cheeks and nose.

•Anemia, Pain in the chest on deep breathing or shortness of breath.

•Photosensitivity.

•alopecia.

•Abnormal blood clotting problems.

•Raynaud's phenomenon: fingers turn white and/or blue or red in the cold.

•Seizures

•Mouth or nose ulcers.

•Weight loss or gain.

•Dry eyes.

•Anxiety, depression, headaches, and memory loss

Lupus can also lead to complications in several areas of the body: 

•Kidneys 

•Central nervous system 

•Blood and vessels

•Lungs

•Heart 

•Infection.

•Cancer 

•Pregnancy - lupus increases the risk of miscarriage, hypertension during pregnancy, and preterm birth.

Treatment of SLE with Stem Cells

In the procedure stem cells are taken from the patient and are re-infused, or put back, into the patient after researchers have eliminated defective white blood cells that are responsible for lupus disease activity.  Results of several early clinical studies of stem cell transplantation for lupus have been promising.