SLE Difficult To Diagnos And Could Prove To Be Fatal

By Sakini Mohd Said This disorder could prove to be fatal, yet many are oblivious of the disease called Systemic Lupus Erithematosus (SLE). The many misconception surrounding the insidious disorder only makes matters worst and this first of the two part series introduces this medical condition. KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 11 (Bernama) -- It is difficult to diagnose the Systemic Lupus Erithematosus (SLE) and at times it may take years before an individual could be positively confirmed suffering from the disorder. To make matters worst the lack of understanding on the insidious disease related to the human immune system has unleashed numerous questionable perceptions. This scenario cannot be taken lightly as SLE is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the immune system becomes confused and starts attacking the tissues of the body. The abnormal reaction of the immune system will cause inflammation on body parts and lead to the destruction of the organs and tissues of those suffering from SLE. And without early and systematic control, lupus could cause death! THE CAUSE REMAINS UNCLEAR The president of the SLE Association Malaysia (PSLEM) Dr Cheah Tien Eang shed some light on the disorder starting with the difficulty in diagnosing the problem. The medical world has yet to find the exact cause for the disorder. In fact, there is no specific explanation on how the SLE patient's body produces the antibodies that attack the own body instead of the infectious agents like bacteria. "The source of the disorder remains unknown. Yet, it is generally believed that this complex disorder could be due to a combination of genetic, environment or even hormonal factors," he said to Bernama. Dr Cheah pointed out as the symptoms were not specific, often similar to other ailments like arthritis, diagnosing SLE has been difficult. About 10,000 Malaysians have been confirmed suffering from SLE over the last three decades but this figure could be the tip of the iceberg as many more people with SLE remain undiagnosed. Studies also indicate women being more vulnerable to the problem. THE LUPUS SYMPTOMS In explaining the SLE symptoms, Dr Cheah noted that the common ones were the inflammation of the skin, pain in the joints, fever and extreme lethargy. There are also those who show serious skin inflammation on the face, ears, on the arms and hands, shoulders, chest and some even suffer from hair loss. The symptoms of the disorder are very similar to the symptoms seen in other ailments leading to misdiagnosis and the matter is made worst by the huge amount of contradicting information on SLE available on the Internet. "Patient awareness on the problem is also low and leads to unsubstantiated beliefs. As doctors have difficulty in identifying and explaining the problem, many patients seek alternative opinion and treatment. "As for example, as for those suffering from a long bout of fever, they may start believing that they have been cast a spell by someone," he said. THE DANGERS IN SWITCHING DOCTORS Therefore, Dr Cheah advised those with the symptoms to immediately consult the doctor. This is especially so for those with a family history of problems relating to the immune system. This is because, people may think that this is something normal when in fact it is an early sign of SLE. Nonetheless, when the patients start switching doctors in between it makes diagnosis even more difficult. Often patients start switching doctors when they feel dissatisfied or give up hope over the treatment thinking the doctor is not capable of treating them. This is why there is no follow up treatment. "And the patients too fail to explain clearly their medical history and the symptoms making it more difficult to diagnose SLE," he said. Therefore treatment comes at a late stage and this is very dangerous as SLE could attack the organs like kidneys, heart and lungs, and also the blood vessels. THERE IS NO CURE The biggest cause of concern is that there is still no remedy for SLE and till today there is no way to protect oneself from the disorder. Nonetheless, the advancements in the medical field has made treatment and medication available to control the severity of SLE by preventing it from flaring up and attacking the organs. When the problem flares up, it reactivates the SLE symptoms. Therefore to prevent a flare up, one with SLE has to take precautions. As for example, one has to avoid excessive sunlight that could trigger inflammation of the skin and exacerbate the condition. The treatment given also depends on the severity of the condition suffered by the patient. Dr Cheah pointed out the lack of early treatment and management might aggravate the condition and lead to destruction of organs and ultimately death. Those afflicted by SLE may have to undergo treatment for the long term as it is a recurring disorder. LIFE QUALITY SLE, could effect the quality of life. As for example, one could suffer from kidney failure due to SLE and have to undergo dialysis for the rest of one's life. This would put stress on them and therefore one of the important goals of those with SLE is to manage the stress. Early and long term treatment in fact will enable those with SLE to enjoy a better quality life. They can participate in sports, go on tour and work. According to Dr Cheah, SLE also disturbs the patients' emotions especially when looking at the fact that the disorder often appears in those in the 20-40 productive age group where some even have to stop work. However, all these could be managed by joining PSLEM said Dr Cheah with a SLE patient Mariani Zainol concurring with him. Mariani, 58, explained that she had suffered severe SLE attacks to the extent she feared being alone or even to drive a car. "The association helps us to identify SLE by sharing experience among those suffering from the disorder. This is especially important looking at the fact the SLE symptoms vary in individuals. -- BERNAMA