2. What is it
Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of
the body. In lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system,
which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and
germs.
*Lupus is also a disease of flares (the symptoms worsen and you feel
ill) and remissions
* Lupus can range from mild to life threatening and should always
be treated by a doctor.
*Lupus is not contagious,
* Not related to cancer.
* Not related to HIV or AIDS.
3. Symptoms
Arthritis Sensitivity to sunlight Nosebleed
Fatigue Skin rash Red spots on skin
Fever Swollen glands Skin color is patchy
Joint pain and Blood disorders, Swallowing difficulty
swelling including blood clots Visual disturbance
Nausea and vomiting Blood in the urine Fingers that change color
Pleural effusions Coughing up blood upon pressure or in the
Psychosis cold
Hair loss Mouth sores
4. Diagnostics
If you have four of the 11 criteria at one time or individually over time, you
probably have lupus:
•Face rash
•Sun-related rash
•Mouth sores
•Joint pain and swelling that occurs in two or more joints
•Swelling of the linings around the lungs or the heart
•Kidney disease
•A neurological disorder, such as seizures or psychosis
•Low blood counts
•Other positive blood tests like positive double-stranded anti-DNA test,
positive anti-Sm test, positive anti-phospholipid antibody test or false-
positive syphilis test
5. Prevalence
• 1.5 million Americans suffer from Lupus (1 out of every 200 Americans.)
• Estimates say 16,000 Americans develop Lupus each year.
• 90% of those with lupus are women.
• 80% of those with Lupus develop it between the ages of 15-45.
• 20% of people with Lupus will have a close relative (parent or sibling)
who already has Lupus or may develop Lupus.
• Lupus affects African Americans three times more commonly than
Caucasians. Asians, Hispanics, and Native Americans are also more
commonly affected.
• About 5% of the children born to individuals with Lupus will develop the
illness.
6. Treatment
The treatment of the disease is tailored to the specific
problems that arise in each person.
There are many categories of drugs for the treatment of
lupus.
Of all these drugs, only a few are approved specifically for
lupus by the (FDA): corticosteroids, including prednisone,
prednisolone, methylprednisolone, and hydrocortisone; the
antimalarial, hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil®); and aspirin.
7. Accommodations/ Modifications
Accommodations:
1. Make sure the classroom is easy to move around in.
2. Student may need to miss school.
3. Provide memory aids.
4. Allow a self-paced homework.
5. Reduce or eliminate physical exertion .
Accommodations for students with Lupus with symptoms of Photosensitivity:
1. Minimize outdoor activities between the peak hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
2. Avoid reflective surfaces.
3. Make sure clothing to block UV rays is appropriate, especially if the student is in
marching band.
4. Provide “waterproof” sun-protective agents such as sun blocks or sunscreens.
5. Install low wattage overhead lights.
