What are the treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus

Regarding the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus, many friends think that this disease is difficult to cure. In fact, this idea is wrong. Systemic lupus erythematosus can be cured, and the choice of treatment depends mainly on the severity of the disease and the patient's physical condition.

How to treat

1. General treatment

Applicable to all SLE patients. Including psychological and spiritual support, avoiding sunlight or ultraviolet radiation, preventing and treating infections or other complications, and choosing appropriate exercise methods based on the condition.

2. Medication

(1) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are suitable for patients with low-grade fever, joint symptoms, rash, pericarditis and pleurisy. They should be used with caution in patients with blood system diseases.

(2) The antimalarial drugs chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine are effective for rash, low-grade fever, arthritis, mild pleurisy and pericarditis, mild anemia and decreased white blood cell count, and patients with Sjögren's syndrome. They should be used with caution in patients with conjunctivitis. Long-term use helps reduce hormone dosage and maintain disease remission. The main adverse reactions are cardiac conduction disorders and retinal pigmentation. Electrocardiogram and ophthalmological examinations should be performed regularly.

(3) Different dosages and dosage forms of glucocorticoids are selected according to the condition of the disease. The adverse reactions of hormones include Cushing's syndrome, diabetes, hypertension, various infections complicated by low immunity, stress ulcers, aseptic bone necrosis, osteoporosis, and slow or stagnant growth in children.

(4) Immunosuppressants.

① Cyclophosphamide (CTX) is effective for nephritis, pulmonary hemorrhage, central nervous system vasculitis and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Adverse reactions include gastrointestinal discomfort, bone marrow suppression, liver damage, hemorrhagic cystitis, hair loss, amenorrhea and reduced fertility.

② Oral administration of azathioprine is helpful for autoimmune hepatitis, nephritis, skin lesions and arthritis. Adverse reactions include gastrointestinal discomfort, bone marrow suppression, liver damage and allergic reactions.

③Methotrexate (MTX) is administered intravenously or orally. It is effective for arthritis, serositis and fever. Patients with renal damage need to reduce the dosage. It occasionally has the adverse reaction of enhanced photosensitivity.

④ Cyclosporine A (CSA) is taken orally and is currently mainly used for SLE patients who are not responsive to other drug treatments.

⑤ Intravenous infusion of vinblastine is effective for thrombocytopenia.

3. Other treatments

High-dose immunoglobulin shock and plasma exchange are suitable for critically ill patients who cannot be controlled or tolerated by conventional treatment, or who have contraindications.