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Johns Hopkins Lupus Center

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  • About The Center
    • Meet Dr. Petri
  • Lupus Primer
    • Basics of Lupus
    • Causes of Lupus
    • Lupus Signs, Symptoms, and Co-occuring Conditions
    • How is lupus diagnosed?
    • How Lupus Affects the Body
    • Lifestyle and Additional Information
    • Lupus Disease Eduation Video Series
  • Lupus Tests
    • Antiphospholipid Antibodies
    • Lupus Blood Tests
    • Screening Laboratory Tests
    • Other Clinical Tests
  • Lupus Treatment
    • Lupus Medications and Treatment Options
    • Common Medications for Other Conditions in People with Lupus
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Home / Lupus Primer

Lupus Primer

Lupus is a disease in which the immune system begins to recognize and attack the body’s own tissues. This phenomenon is similar to “friendly fire” and causes inflammation in different organs of the body. The nature of lupus is highly individualized, and two patients may experience two sets of totally different symptoms. In the United States, lupus affects roughly 1 in 2000 people, and 9 out of 10 lupus cases occur in women. Although the disease occurs in people of all races and ethnic groups, it occurs more frequently in African Americans.

The first symptoms of lupus usually occur somewhere between the teen years and the 30s and may be mild, severe, sporadic, or continual. Common general symptoms include fatigue, fever, and hair loss. Lupus can also affect individual organs and body parts, such as the skin, kidneys, and joints.

The following pages provide introductory information on lupus for patients, loved ones, and health care providers. Think of this as “Lupus primer.”

Understanding the Signs, Symptoms & Diagnosis of Lupus

  • How is Lupus diagnosed?
  • Types of Lupus
  • Causes of Lupus
  • Signs, Symptoms, and Co-occuring conditions

How Lupus Affects the Body

  • Antiphospholipid Antibodies
  • Arthritis
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Immune System
  • Kidneys
  • Lungs
  • Nervous System
  • Skin

Lifestyle & Additional Information

  • Diet
  • Lupus and Cancer
  • Lupus and Pregnancy
  • Things to Avoid
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Use of this Site

All information contained within the Johns Hopkins Lupus Center website is intended for educational purposes only. Physicians and other health care professionals are encouraged to consult other sources and confirm the information contained within this site. Consumers should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something they may have read on this website.

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  • Types of Lupus
  • Basics of Lupus
  • Causes of Lupus
  • Lupus Symptoms
  • How is lupus diagnosed?
  • How Lupus Affects the Body
  • Lifestyle and Additional Information

Dr. George Stojan sitting in a chair against a brick wall discussing Lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (“SLE” or “lupus”) can be overwhelming and mysterious at times. In this video series, Dr. Stojan of the Johns Hopkins Lupus Center shares an overview of this disease, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and lifestyle considerations.

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