Lupus: Understanding Remission, Treatment, and Potential Cures
Lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease that primarily causes inflammation and pain in various parts of the body. This condition can be challenging to manage, but with the right approach, symptoms can be effectively controlled.
One of the key strategies in managing lupus is reducing disease activity, preventing flares, and controlling organ involvement. Common treatments include:
- Hydroxychloroquine: This first-line treatment is recommended for all lupus patients unless contraindicated. It has been shown to reduce mortality, disease activity, and complications, with a 54% reduction in lupus-related mortality reported.
- Corticosteroids: These medications are used to control inflammation during flares. However, due to their high potency and potential side effects, a doctor will gradually lower the dose once a person starts to respond to the treatment.
- Immunosuppressive drugs: These drugs, such as cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate, are primarily used for lupus nephritis and severe organ involvement. They help control the disease but carry risks including infection.
- Biologics: Belimumab (Benlysta) is FDA-approved to reduce flare-ups and pain. New biologic agents in development, like obinutuzumab and litifilimab, may offer improved safety and efficacy profiles in the future.
In addition to these treatments, antimalarial medications, such as chloroquine phosphate (Aralen) and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), may help prevent lupus flares and treat some lupus symptoms, such as inflammation of the lungs, skin rashes, pain in the joints, and fatigue.
Experiencing prolonged periods in remission can significantly benefit a person with lupus. Remission reduces pain and inflammation, improves overall quality of life, and reduces the risk of organ damage. Research suggests that when symptoms are in remission for a significant length of time, there is less long-term damage to a person's body.
BLyS-specific inhibitors, such as belimumab (Benlysta), can limit the amount of atypical B cells in the body and help control and improve symptoms of lupus. These inhibitors can be particularly useful in inducing and sustaining remission.
It's essential to note that remission can last months to years, depending on the individual patient, disease severity, and treatment adherence. Skin-related lupus rashes often require 3-6 months of consistent therapy for complete resolution.
The current goal in clinical practice is to keep lupus symptoms in remission for as long as possible to improve overall quality of life and minimize organ damage. A person should contact a doctor if they experience symptoms of lupus, such as swelling or pain in the joints, fatigue, headaches, fevers, sensitivity to light, pain in the chest when taking deep breaths.
People living with lupus should also consider speaking with a healthcare professional about which treatment options may work best for them and discuss any unpleasant side effects from medications. Healthcare professionals define remission as a period when signs and symptoms of a disease significantly reduce.
In some cases, a doctor may prescribe other medications to help treat or prevent health conditions associated with lupus, such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and blood thinners.
Lastly, it's essential to remember that while there is currently no treatment available that can cure lupus, with the right approach and ongoing care, people with lupus can effectively manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.
[References: 1, 2, 3, 5]
- For individuals battling lupus, achieving remission can notably reduce pain, inflammation, and the risk of organ damage, according to research.
- In addition to medicines like hydroxychloroquine and belimumab (Benlysta), which are common treatments for lupus, mental-health support and skin-care therapies may also contribute to managing the disease.
- Medications used to treat osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and blood clots may be prescribed by doctors to help manage or prevent associated health conditions linked with lupus.
- Medicare, the national health insurance program in the United States, may cover various treatments and therapies for individuals living with lupus to improve their health-and-wellness and overall quality of life.
