What is lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that affects over 15,000 in England and Wales. It is a complicated condition that can affect many organs and body systems.

Who is affected by lupus?

The most severe form of lupus is systemic lupus erythematosus, also known as SLE. Most commonly, lupus affects women of childbearing age, but men and women of all ages can be affected. SLE often causes joint pain, fatigue and rashes across the chest and cheeks. The condition “attacks” the body’s own organs causing inflammation. Lupus can be life threatening, which is why a timely diagnosis and early treatment is essential, especially when it affects the major organs such the heart, lungs or brain.

How is lupus diagnosed?

Lupus can cause widespread and often vague symptoms – which often mimic other conditions like flu or fibromyalgia – making it difficult to spot and even harder to diagnose. Blood results are not always definitive and a positive result might only show up during a flare up of the condition, so tests may need to be repeated at regular intervals.

Early diagnosis and careful review of the condition is essential so that treatment can be initiated to prevent or minimise any damage.  Patients often require the input of multiple medical practitioners including rheumatologists, physiotherapists, respiratory physicians and haematologists because of the complications that can arise.

What are the symptoms of lupus?

The main symptoms to look out for are;

• aches and pains
• hair loss
• fatigue
• depression
• rash
• headaches and migraines
• fevers

If you have any of these symptoms then contact your GP who can arrange the relevant blood tests and a referral to a rheumatologist where appropriate.

Misdiagnosis

Nikki Yavari

Sadly, it is not uncommon for it to take years for a patient to be diagnosed, partly because of the difficulty in identifying the true cause of the symptoms and partly because of a lack of understanding of the condition itself.  Doctors can be dismissive of the symptoms, which, if overlooked, can result in a serious and life threatening lupus flare up or “attack”; the consequences of which are often irreversible.

If you feel that you have suffered injuries as a result of your symptoms or complaints being dismissed by your doctor, please contact our experts to discuss whether we can help you to make a claim for medical negligence compensation.

Further information

You can find out more information about lupus at www.lupusuk.org.uk.

You can find out more about claiming compensation for medical negligence on our website.

By Nikki Yavari, medical negligence solicitor