May, 2004 | Michael D. Lockshin, MD

How long is it necessary to treat active SLE with immunosuppressive drugs? Can immunosuppressive therapy be discontinued? If so, when

Published on May 24, 2004 by Michael D. Lockshin, MD in For Physicians

Ask the Expert If you look in current texts, or even on this web site, you do not easily find answers to these very basic questions. The reasons clear answers are hard to come by reflect the great diversity of clinical manifestations of lupus, its proclivity to flare and remit unpredictably, and the long follow-up

An In-Depth Topic Review of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Published on May 20, 2004 by Michael D. Lockshin, MD in For Physicians

For Physicians 1. Definition 2. Pathogenesis 3. Clinical Presentation 4. Laboratory Findings 5. Differential Diagnosis 6. Initial Treatment 7. Long-term Management Issues 8. Prognosis 9. When to Refer 1. Definition Lupus is both an acute and a chronic autoimmune, multisystem illness. Lupus has several forms: systemic (SLE), discoid (DLE, scarring rash only), drug-induced (DILE), and

Autoimmune Disease: Does Sex Matter?

Published on May 2, 2004 by Michael D. Lockshin, MD in For Patients

Current Theories With some exceptions, autoimmune diseases affect far more women than men. For some time, physicians and researchers have been asking why this is so. The most popular theory to date has been that female hormones set the stage for diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren’s syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis. But more recent