Immune cell activation in severe COVID-19 resembles lupus

Immune cell activation in severe COVID-19 resembles lupus

In severe cases of COVID-19, an exuberant activation of immune cells resembles that seen in acute flares of SLE..

New research from Emory University School of Medicine points towards tests that could separate some COVID-19 patients who need immune-calming therapies from others who may not. It also may begin to explain why some people infected with SARS-CoV-2 produce abundant antibodies against the virus, yet experience poor outcomes.

6 Questions About the Medical and Support Needs of Men With SLE

6 Questions About the Medical and Support Needs of Men With SLE

SLE mostly affects women; however, males represent 4-22% of patients. Research shows men tend to seek medical attention & supportive care < women & are underrepresented at self-management/support services for coping with SLE, despite having higher disease severity. Limited research exists regarding the specific medical, psychosocial, & support needs of men with SLE. Our hospital conducted a national survey to identify self-reported needs & concerns for men with SLE, as well as their interest in male specific support forums.

Half of Lupus Rashes Harbor High Levels of Bacteria Responsible for Infections

Half of Lupus Rashes Harbor High Levels of Bacteria Responsible for Infections

A new study finds that one side effect of lupus could also make patients with the autoimmune condition more vulnerable to a skin infection, or spreading the infection to others.

In the paper, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, researchers found that 50% of skin rashes in patients with lupus contained an abnormally high presence of a common bacteria responsible for skin infections: staphylococcus aureus, or more commonly known as staph.

Upper Limb Exercise Improves Functional Skills and Quality of Life in SLE Patients

Upper Limb Exercise Improves Functional Skills and Quality of Life in SLE Patients

Upper limb exercise lowers pain and improves hand function, daily activity performance, and quality of life in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), according to a pilot clinical trial.

The trial’s results, “The impact of upper limb exercise on function, daily activities and quality of life in systemic lupus erythematosus: a pilot randomised controlled trial,” were published in the journal RMD Open.

Lupus patients who take their medications lower their diabetes risk

Lupus patients who take their medications lower their diabetes risk

Adhering to antimalarial treatment offers some protection to patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) from developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), according to new research.

Patients who took at least 90% of their prescribed antimalarial doses were 39% less likely to develop T2DM than patients who discontinued antimalarial therapy. Patients who took less than 90% of their prescribed doses but didn’t discontinue treatment were 22% less likely to develop T2DM.

Pregnancy is not associated with increased chronic damage in women with SLE says Japanese study

Pregnancy is not associated with increased chronic damage in women with SLE says Japanese study

Pregnancy is not associated with increased chronic damage in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), regardless of when they’re diagnosed with the autoimmune disease, according to a Japanese study.

While these findings may help alleviate fears about childbearing for these women, an SLE diagnosis does put them at greater risk for pregnancy-related complications, the researchers found.

Pragmatic Language Dysfunction in SLE

Pragmatic Language Dysfunction in SLE

Pragmatic language refers to the social language skills necessary for daily interactions. It includes what is said, how it is said, non-verbal communication and the use of interactions that are appropriate in a given situation. Very few researchers have investigated whether deficits in pragmatic language or other language deficits are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and/or other systemic autoimmune diseases.

Israeli Researchers Make Breakthrough in the Fight Against Lupus

Israeli Researchers Make Breakthrough in the Fight Against Lupus

Researchers from Israel’s Ben-Gurion University (BGU) in cooperation with the National Institute for Biotechnology of the Negev (NIBN) and the US National Institute of Health (NIH) have made a breakthrough in the fight against lupus – identifying the path used by mitochondrial DNA to exit cells in order to trigger autoimmune diseases and developing a way block that escape route.

9/11 first responders at increased risk for systemic autoimmune disease

9/11 first responders at increased risk for systemic autoimmune disease

Intense dust cloud inhalation, as well as PTSD, experienced by first responders and community members present at the Sept. 11 terrorist attack in New York are associated with a significant increased risk for systemic autoimmune disease, including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, according to findings published in Arthritis & Rheumatology.