Skin biopsies may be helpful but a history and physical examination by a doctor familiar with S.L.E. is essential in making this diagnosis. Rarely, when S.L.E. attacks the brain, kidneys, or marrow it needs immunosuppressive drugs such as Imuran, Leukeran, Cytoxan, and steroids such as Prednisone. There is no cure for S.L.E., so the doctor and patient must develop strategies to deal with flare-ups and suppress symptoms. Exposure to sun, infection, certain drugs, pregnancy, or delivery may cause an S.L.E. flare. Influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia immunization is recommended.
Most patients live a normal life with rare hospitalization.
Severe involvement of the kidney, brain, lungs or heart is a bad sign. Early death is caused by Infection and kidney failure. My friend's French cousin had developed a complication of SLE, Raynaud's phenomenon where there is poor finger blood flow. Dextran is a plasma volume expander but it can also bind anti-DNA auto antibodies found in SLE and maybe will help this symptom. All rights reserved.