Bhubaneswar, May 10: Not known to many, Lupus is an autoimmune disease that usually affects women in the age group of 20 to 50 years, but can be treated to ensure the patient leads a normal life, Prof. (Dr.) Pradipta Sekhar Patro, Head of Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology at the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital here, said on Sunday.
The immune system in the human body comprises a huge network of cells that is designed to protect humans from the environment and guard against any damage to the body’s own cells. But sometimes the system sends out confusing signals, causing the body's defenses to attack its own cells, Prof. (Dr.) Patro said at a news conference organised to mark World Lupus Day.
This leads to autoimmune diseases, of which Lupus, also known as ‘Systemic Lupus Erythymatosis’, is one. Lupus is difficult to diagnose as different patients may display different symptoms, he said, adding it can affect the patient’s skin, joints, blood, heart, kidneys, and even brain.
To mark the day, a rally was organised in the city by IMS and SUM Hospital with around 200 persons, including doctors, nurses, and healthcare personnel, marching from the busy Master Canteen square to the Ram Mandir square to spread awareness about Lupus and how to fight the disease. Ms. Surama Padhi, Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, and Mr. Babu Singh, local BJP legislator, joined the rally in which Prof. (Dr.) Pusparaj Samantasinghar, Medical Superintendent of the hospital, and Prof. (Dr.) Patro was present.
Ms. Padhi said that Lupus mostly affects young girls, and there is a need for the spread of awareness about the illness to fight this menace. Mr. Singh complimented IMS and SUM Hospital for organizing the awareness program against Lupus and providing the treatment against the disease.
Prof. (Dr.) Patro told the press conference, which was also attended by Prof. (Dr.) Sanghamitra Mishra, Dean of IMS and SUM Hospital, said that the disease often manifested itself with the appearance of reddish malar rash, flat or raised over the cheekbones, and known as ‘butterfly rash’ due to its shape, which is a classic symptom of Lupus.
Lupus is also called the ‘great imitator’ because its symptoms mimic many other diseases, causing confusion and making it difficult to diagnose the ailment, he said.
The disease, however, is not contagious. But the patients should avoid sunlight, which is known to aggravate Lupus, Prof. (Dr.) Patro said that about 60 to 70 per cent of the patients, the disease affects the kidney.
Although there is no permanent cure, it is possible for the majority of Lupus patients to lead normal lives if diagnosed and treated at the right time, he said.
