Lupus, ‘the queen of rheumatic diseases’

It is estimated that there are five million people worldwide who are fighting the fatal consequences of lupus, an autoimmune disease for which there is no cure. Of these, 20 percent are children who suffer from systemic lupus erythematosus in children, a disease that tends to be more aggressive than in adults.

Pediatric Rheumatologist Nayma Ruiz Vela is the First pediatrician with a subspecialty in Rheumatology in La Lagunawhich allows it to treat this type of disease very effectively. In a conversation with +Salud, the subspecialist provided details on the subject.

What is lupus?

Lupus is considered the queen or prototype of rheumatic diseases. It is a dysregulation in the immune system which is normally responsible for protecting us against infections. However, in this disease The immune system is the one that attacks our own body.

There are different types of lupus, the most common of which is systemic lupus, which can affect all organs, systems and apparatus. To be considered juvenile lupus, it must begin before the age of 16. This is called pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE).

ALSO READ Drug that prevents AIDS with 100% efficacy

HIV could be eradicated by 2030, WHO says

Why is it more severe in children than in adults?

During the development of children, the immune system is not as mature As in an adult, this is why the symptoms are more unbalanced and severe. In addition, the prognosis of the disease depends on the organs and systems affected at the beginning.

How does it manifest in children?

It usually begins with constitutional symptoms, which are very general symptoms as feverThis causes them to be misdiagnosed and prescribed drugs to which the disease will not respond.

There’s also weight loss and fatiguewhich is reflected in the cessation of activities such as playing. At this point, parents begin to notice. In addition to this, lymph nodes are palpatedhay hair lossand even some mouth ulcers They do not hurt, so sometimes neither parents nor patients notice them.

It is possible that there will begin to be photosensitivityThat is, after exposure to the sun, children show redness of the skin even when several hours have passed after exposure.

Another important point to note is that the LESp also tends to affect the kidneys.

Which are the risk factors?

Although the causes of lupus are unknown, genetic inheritance, prolonged exposure to the sun without sun protection and being a woman influence the disease. This disease predominates in adolescence during the hormonal changes that lead to the first menstruation, which causes the onset of pLES is more frequent in girls.

ALSO READ What would happen to your body if you got rabies?

Mexico was the first country to receive validation from the WHO for having eliminated rabies as a public health problem

Is it often confused with other autoimmune diseases?

It is possible since sometimes it begins as cutaneous lupus where only the skin is affected and then other symptoms are added, therefore, the diagnosis is pending.

What complications will there be if it is not treated?

Lupus is fatal, It is a disease that can lead to deathI have known patients in intensive care and some where a diagnosis is made, and as soon as treatment begins the patient dies due to the severity of his or her case. Hence the importance of early diagnosis to prevent organic damage that affects the quality of life or leads to fatal consequences.

Where to find Dr. Nayma Ruiz?

Constitution Boulevard 70, Downtown, Francisco I. Madero, Coah.

Julian Trevino Street 298 New Los Angeles Neighborhood, Torreon, Coah.

Facebook: Dr. Nayma Ruiz – Pediatric Rheumatologist

Other: 871 139 7892