Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly referred to as a gynecological disease due to its higher prevalence in women of reproductive age than in men, arises from an autoimmune defect that causes the body to produce antibodies that attack various organs, leading to infection. While cutaneous lupus primarily affects the skin, SLE can affect multiple organs at once.
Women with lupus often face challenges during pregnancy and childbirth due to the potential for worsening of the condition, necessitating careful consideration and sometimes temporarily delaying pregnancy. It is important for women with lupus to consult medical professionals regarding the use of medication during pregnancy to ensure the health of the mother and the safety of the fetus. Regular medical checkups and monitoring are essential throughout pregnancy and beyond.
Several factors contribute to an imbalance in the immune system that leads to lupus, including environmental viruses, genetic predisposition, and some medications that contain estrogen or are used for high blood pressure. Stress can also worsen lupus symptoms, especially in pregnant and postpartum women.
There are two main types of lupus: cutaneous lupus, which is characterized by a facial rash worsened by exposure to sunlight, and systemic lupus, which affects multiple body systems, which may lead to arthritis, respiratory problems, heart complications, kidney failure, and even Neurological symptoms such as hemiplegia. .
Diagnosing lupus can be difficult due to the lack of specific tests, and often requires a combination of clinical evaluation, skin biopsies, and laboratory analyzes to distinguish it from other conditions with similar symptoms.
Treatment involves careful monitoring and avoiding triggers such as infection and prolonged exposure to sunlight. Women may need to switch from estrogen-containing contraceptives to alternative contraception to reduce flare-ups. Medications such as chloroquine and glucocorticoids are commonly prescribed to control lupus symptoms, in doses tailored to the patient’s individual needs. Abrupt discontinuation of corticosteroids should be avoided to prevent possible rebound effects, and patients should adhere to a healthy lifestyle and diet to complete medical treatment. In cases of specific symptoms such as vitritis, health care providers may recommend immune-stimulating medications.
