Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, October 10, 1978

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, October 10, 1978

This disease was previously called collagen disease and is now known as connective tissue disease, which includes scleroderma and nodular periarteritis, among others. The true cause of this disease remains unclear, but it is currently believed to be closely related to autoimmune disorders. It commonly affects adults aged 20–40, with women being more frequently affected. Clinically, it presents in two forms:

1. Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

The lesions mainly appear on both cheeks and the bridge of the nose, often presenting as a typical butterfly-shaped rash. These changes usually consist of patchy, spotted areas of bright red skin, often covered with keratotic scales that can be peeled off, revealing underlying horny plugs. In addition to the cheeks, the bright red changes can also appear on the forehead, neck, and front and back of the chest, and sometimes even on the limbs.

2. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

In addition to the facial skin lesions described above, the whole body exhibits the following features: ① Fever in 100% of cases; ② Joint pain in 90%; ③ Skin lesions in 80%, with 50%–80% showing lupus erythematosus cells; ④ Kidney involvement in over 75%; ⑤ Cardiac involvement in over 50%. Besides these, there may also be symptoms affecting digestion, blood, nerves, and generalized lymphadenopathy.