lupus and technology

Lupus and TechnologyTechnological Advances Made in the Treatment of Systemic Lupus : 

Lupus and TechnologyTechnological Advances Made in the Treatment of Systemic Lupus By Nicole Naranjo

Systemic Lupus : 

Systemic Lupus Chronic autoimmune disease Genetic disease The term systemic means that autoimmune disease affects the entirety of the human body. “It is characterized by immune-mediated damage to multiple organ systems with a corresponding diverse array of systemic symptoms” (Te 2010)

Systemic Lupus (continued) : 

Systemic Lupus (continued) Lupus can reach points of intensity that are referred to as flares Flares can be unpredictable and devastating to the body Currently there is no cure for Systemic Lupus The only way to combat the disease is by treating the symptoms of the disease

Systemic Lupus (continued) : 

Systemic Lupus (continued) Systemic Lupus is more prevalent in females than males

Symptoms of Systemic Lupus : 

Symptoms of Systemic Lupus Fatigue Fever Weight loss or gain Joint pain, stiffness and swelling Skin lesions Mouth sores Hair loss Shortness of breath Chest pain Dry eyes Easy bruising Anxiety Depression Memory loss Malar Rash Sensitivity to the Sun Discoloration of Limbs (Mayo Clinic)

A Brief History of Lupus : 

A Brief History of Lupus No empirical evidence that states when the first cases of Lupus were recorded Lupus is Latin for “Wolf” Legend has it that Lupus is named after a wolf is merely because the symptoms of Lupus ravage the body much like being attacked by a wolf “The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that 1.5 million Americans, and at least five million people worldwide, have a form of lupus” (Statistics on lupus).

Treatment Before 1955 : 

Treatment Before 1955 Prognosis Grim No definitive test that could be used to test patients showing symptoms of Lupus Once a patient was eventually diagnosed with Lupus, most patients lived on average about no more than five years after diagnosis Patients would succumb to the disease without being able to fight it

Treatment 1955 to present : 

Treatment 1955 to present Creation of the anti-nuclear antibody test Most accurate test of its time and is still a lynchpin in the detection of an autoimmune disease Another breakthrough to take place during the mid 1950’s was the creation of the antimalarial drug, Hydroxychloroquine Last drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1955

Treatment 1955 to present (continued) : 

Treatment 1955 to present (continued) ANA test and Hydroxychloroquine, made the prognosis for patients became brighter Inspired other researchers to search for other innovations and perhaps even a cure Life expectancy for those afflicted has risen significantly

The ANA Test : 

The ANA Test Looks specifically for specific proteins in the blood Anti-Nuclear Antibodies mean that your body has been producing antibodies for a misdirected attack against a perfectly functioning parts of the body ANA test offers the chance to prepare for a disease that has no cure The ANA test is a monumental technological advancement because even though it does not cure the disease, it provides the patient with knowledge

Hydroxychloroquine : 

Hydroxychloroquine Discovered in the 1600’s, making it one of the oldest drugs on earth used to treat disease Doctors argue that Hydroxychloroquine is the cornerstone of Lupus therapy Considered an antimalarial drug, which specifically fights against malaria Strong protective effect on survival in people with Systemic Lupus

Life Made Easier for the Chronically Ill : 

Life Made Easier for the Chronically Ill The creation of LED lights Electronic databases Those who suffer from Systemic Lupus generally see several different kinds of doctors and specialists on a regular basis Doctors can actively collaborate with other specialists to create the best treatment plan for each individual patient

Prospects for the Future : 

Prospects for the Future Greatest prospects for the future revolve around what is known as MicroRNA MicroRNA gives researchers involved in gene therapy additional information “The potential contributions of MicroRNA to the pathogenesis and mechanisms of damage to the kidneys in Systemic Lupus may allow development of more specific, effective, and less toxic therapies” (Te 2010)

Prospects for the Future (continued) : 

Prospects for the Future (continued) Breakthrough in the works is multiplexing The answer to more accurate autoantibody testing Multiplexing gives physicians “the ability to measure multiple antibodies quickly and efficiently will support the monitoring of changes in the antibody levels over time, in response to disease progression and therapy (Binder 2006)

Conclusions : 

Conclusions As time goes on more technological advances and breakthroughs will be developed The sooner the diagnosis the sooner treatment can begin and prevent irreversible damage done by the disease More simple everyday technologies will be invented, ensuring that those with Systemic Lupus can adjust their lives to live as comfortable as possible

References : 

References (Anonymous 2009). Why all systemic Lupus erythematosus patients should be given Hydroxychloroquine treatment [Editorial]. Joint Bone Spine, 77, 4-5. Binder, S. (2006). Autoantibody detection using multiplex technologies. Lupus , 15(7), 412-421. Statistics on lupus. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.lupus.org  Systemic lupus. (n.d.). Retrieved from www.medicinenet.com Mayo clinic: lupus . (n.d.). Retrieved from www.mayoclinic.com U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Rheumatology Information: Therapeutics for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. www.fda.gov Te, J., Dozmorov, I., Guthridge, J., Nguyen, K., Cavett, J., Kelly, J., et al. (2010). Identification of Unique MicroRNA Signature Associated with Lupus Nephritis. PLoS ONE, (5), 1-7.