Lupus — systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

1/6 What is it?

In lupus the immune system produces antibodies against the body's own cells and causes inflammation in various organs.

The disease looks different in each patient. In some the skin and joints dominate; in others the kidneys.

Its course comes in waves: flares and quiet periods alternate.

It is more common in women, particularly during the childbearing years.

2/6 Who is it for?

People with redness and a rash on the face that worsens after sun exposure.

People with joint pain together with lasting fatigue and fever.

People whose blood test shows a positive ANA and who do not know what it means.

People with hair loss, painless mouth ulcers, or fingers that turn white in the cold.

Patients already diagnosed with lupus who need regular follow-up.

3/6 When to seek care

• There is redness across your nose and cheeks in a butterfly shape
• A rash appears, or you feel worse, after time in the sun
• Your joints ache and swell, particularly the fingers
• There is unexplained fatigue, fever and weight loss
• Your hair is falling out in clumps
• Painless ulcers appear in your mouth
• Your legs swell, or your urine looks frothy

Changes in the urine or swelling of the legs can indicate kidney involvement. That should not be left.

4/6 Why it matters

Because lupus can affect many organs, early recognition and regular monitoring matter.

Kidney involvement can run for a long time without causing any symptom at all. It is found only by testing.

With modern treatment the disease is kept under control in many patients. The result differs from person to person.

Sun protection is an inseparable part of treatment and matters as much as the medicines.

5/6 How it is done

1. Conversation and examination. Skin, joints, hair, mouth and general condition are assessed.
2. Blood tests. ANA, anti-dsDNA, complement levels, full blood count, and kidney and liver function are checked.
3. Urine test. Essential for detecting kidney involvement early, and repeated throughout follow-up.
4. Treatment plan. Built individually, according to which organs are involved.
5. Regular follow-up. Tests are repeated periodically and treatment adjusted to the result.

A positive ANA on its own does not mean lupus. It can be positive in healthy people.

Follow-up must be continuous. Even without symptoms, scheduled tests should not be skipped.

6/6 Where it is done

Examination and follow-up take place in Baku, at StarLab Clinic.

Address: 20 Yanvar str. 88, 5th microdistrict, Baku, opposite the Qızıltac wedding hall.

Contact: +994 55 550 55 69.

Not necessarily. ANA can be positive in healthy people, particularly women. The diagnosis comes not from a test but from the symptoms, the examination and several markers assessed together.

Avoid direct sun during the strongest hours, wear a wide-brimmed hat and covering clothes, and use a sunscreen. Protection is needed on cloudy days too.

Many patients can plan a pregnancy, but the planning should happen during a quiet phase of the disease and under medical supervision. Some medicines are not permitted in pregnancy.

The disease is chronic. The aim is to keep it under control and prevent organ damage. Many patients achieve long quiet periods.