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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Wrist Pain in older women

Systemic lupus erythematosus treatment is available in Encinitas, CA

Seaside Rheumatology and Wellness Center is conveniently located in Encinitas, CA, serving communities throughout the area. We offer advanced treatments for a variety of conditions, including systemic lupus erythematosus.

About systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of autoreactive B and T cells (immune cells) and the production of autoantibodies. Autoantibodies are antibodies that target your own tissues and cells leading to inflammation. The pathogenesis of lupus is characterized by one’s own genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, and immune system activation.


There are over 50 genes associated with lupus. Women of child bearing age (15-45 years) are at most risk for developing lupus. Certain ethnic groups such as African Americans and Hispanics are at increased risk. Environmental exposures linked to lupus include; ultraviolet light exposure and infections such as Epstein-Barr virus.

Once the immune cells are hyper-activated, inflammation occurs resulting in tissue damage. The manifestations of lupus are vast and not every patient with lupus will experience all lupus manifestations. Most lupus patients will suffer from several manifestations over their lifetime, not necessarily at the same time.

Diagnosis and treatment

There are clinical criteria used to help aid in the diagnosis of lupus patients, it is important to note that these criteria were developed for the purposes of clinical research. These criteria may not be sensitive enough to diagnose patients with milder forms of the disease.

A majority of lupus patients will test positive for the blood test antinuclear antibodies (ANA). It is important to note that normal individuals will also test positive for ANA and not have lupus. The autoantibodies most commonly seen with lupus patients include, dsDNA, anti-histone, Anti-Smith, Anti-RNP, Anti-SS-A/SS-B and Anti-ribosomal P antibodies.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus at Seaside Rheumatology

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus at Seaside Rheumatology
Watch this video to learn all about Systemic Lupus, the symptoms showing, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment process offered at Seaside Rheumatology.

What is Systemic Lupus?

Hi, my name is Dr. Peter Lloyd with Seaside Rheumatology and Wellness Center, and today I’m going to talk to you about systemic lupus.

Systemic lupus is a multi-system pleomorphic disease in which inflammation, antibody production, and complement fixing immune complexes in the body result in tissue damage.

What are the common symptoms of systemic lupus?

The clinical presentation can be quite variable and involve multiple organ systems.

Common manifestations people may experience with lupus include constitutional symptoms, skin rashes, hair loss, kidney disease, arthritis, and various neurologic conditions or experiences.

How is Lupus diagnosed?

The diagnosis is made with a combination of physical exams, the patient’s clinical history, imaging studies, and various blood studies.

Clinical criteria have been developed to help guide a clinician in diagnosing the disease.

These were originally designed for clinical research, but many clinicians in the outpatient settings still use these criteria.

However, it is important to recognize that not all patients with systemic lupus meet the stricter clinical criteria.

What is the treatment?

The therapy goal for systemic lupus is to safely suppress the immune system and put the disease in remission or in a low disease activity state.

This can be more challenging from one patient to the next, depending on how severe the disease is.

Therapies for systemic lupus treatment consist of oral and injectable steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, a class of medicines known as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic medications which can include oral or injectable medications, known as biologics.

Feel free to give us a call today to learn more about how we can help treat systemic lupus.


Clinical presentation is quite variable and can involve multiple organ systems. Manifestations of lupus include:

  • Constitutional symptoms
  • Skin rashes
  • Oral/nasal ulcers
  • Hair loss
  • Kidney disease
  • Musculoskeletal disease
  • Blood disorders
  • Central nervous system
  • Peripheral nervous system
  • Neuropsychiatric disorders
  • Lung disease
  • Heart disease
  • Gastrointestinal
  • Eye disease

herapies include; steroids, NSAIDs, Disease modifying antirheumatic medications, biologic medications, cyclophosphamide, plasmapheresis, blood thinners and intravenous immunoglobulins. It is important for lupus patients to avoid possible triggers; most importantly is proper sun protection.

If you think you may have systemic lupus erythematosus, or if you’ve been diagnosed and are looking for effective treatments, visit us for a consultation. Just give us a call at 760-509-2429 to schedule.

Dr. Peter Lloyd

Dr. Peter Lloyd

Dr. Peter Lloyd is a board-certified rheumatologist with exceptional expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and other rheumatologic diseases. He earned his medical degree at the University of Vermont College of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Chicago. He completed his rheumatology fellowship training at the prestigious David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA. At his facility Seaside Rheumatology, he treats his patients using the latest technology and medical developments. Due to his impeccable academic records, modern approach to treatments and compassionate patient care, he is valued as one of the best rheumatologists in the Rheumatology field.

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