OVERVIEW

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease affecting approximately 1 in 1,000 individuals in the United States. The prevalence is 9 times higher for women compared to men, and even higher among Black, Hispanic, and Asian women. Inflammation from SLE can cause damage to the organs in the body, including the skin, joints, blood cells, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. This chronic condition may greatly impact quality of life, with the potential to cause severe fatigue, pain, and disability. Given the complex nature of the disease, SLE patients often require medical follow up with multiple specialists, including rheumatology, nephrology, dermatology, cardiology, pulmonology, and neurology. There is no cure for lupus, but various immune-suppressing and immune-modulating drugs are used to control symptoms and minimize inflammation.

While rheumatologists have an armamentarium of treatments used to treat the disease, many of these medications come with side effects and are not always well-tolerated. Clinical trials are ongoing to try to discover new treatments for SLE and lupus nephritis that are better tolerated and effective.

At UC San Diego, our rheumatology division is committed to improving patient care in SLE. Through the generosity of the Wolfe Family, the UC San Diego Lupus Center of Excellence was established in the fall of 2023. The mission of this center is to improve patient care and education, to collaborate with other disciplines in a multidisciplinary approach to SLE care, and to facilitate ongoing forts for collaborative research and involvement in clinical trials.

In May 2024, we will kick off Lupus Awareness Month with our second annual symposium to serve the lupus community. This unique program has morning and afternoon sessions, and attendees have the option of attending any part of the day. The morning session focuses on patient education in various aspects of SLE with special attention on lifestyle interventions. Patients also have an opportunity to contribute and give feedback that directly informs future projects and research at the lupus center. 

TARGET AUDIENCE

Our target audience will include patients with SLE, as well as family members and friends in the community

who support patients with SLE.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• To educate and empower lupus patients in various aspects of lifestyle, including diet, exercise, fatigue and pain management
• To inform the lupus community about effects of disease on mental health and vulnerable populations
• To provide patients and families with effective resources to help manage their health
• To involve our lupus community in future directions of the Lupus Center through interactive sessions

ACCREDITATION

No CME is offered for this activity.

For more information please visit the official event page.