Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

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Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain and other organs.

 

Approximately 70 to 90% of people with lupus are young women of childbearing age, although it can also occur in children (especially girls), older or elderly men and women, and even in newborns. Lupus occurs worldwide, although it is perhaps more common in people of African and Asian descent than in those of Caucasian descent.

 

Symptoms vary from person to person, and may even come and go. The only prevailing symptom is joint pain and swelling. This can develop arthritis, as it usually affects the joints of the fingers, hands, wrists and knees.

Other common symptoms include: 

 

• Chest pain with deep breathing.

• Fatigue.

• Fever with no other cause.

• Hair and weight loss.

• mouth sores

• sensitivity to sunlight

• Skin rash. A "butterfly" rash develops in about half of people with SLE. The rash is seen mainly on the cheeks and bridge of the nose. It may spread. It is worsened by sunlight.

 

Alpha Research Institute is conducting a clinical trial for which you can participate as a biological sample donor (blood sample). With your participation you help to obtain new treatments to improve the quality of life of people suffering from this condition, since at the moment there is no specific cure. For your time and participation you will receive a $50 compensation. 

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