Albumin - A protein produced by the liver. Low levels may indicate kidney damage.
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) - Antibodies that attack the nucleus of cells, commonly tested to determine the presence of autoimmune diseases like lupus.
Anemia - A condition where the body has a reduced number of healthy red blood cells, causing fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms.
Antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies - Antibodies that attack phospholipids. High levels are linked to an increased risk of blood clotting and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) - An autoimmune disorder in which the immune system produces antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies that increase the risk of blood clots.
Autoantibody - Malfunctioning antibodies that attack the body's normal cells.
Arthritis - Swelling and tenderness of the joints due to inflammation of the joint lining. There are many types of arthritis. A common manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Autoimmune disease - When the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, thinking they are foreign invaders.
Biopsy - A procedure where a sample of tissue is removed and examined for inflammation or damage.
Cardiovascular - Related to the heart. Lupus patients are more at-risk for cardiovascular diseases
Complement system - A part of the immune system consisting of more than 30 proteins that destroy bacteria and viruses that invade your body.
Complete blood count (CBC) - A test that counts the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood.
Congenital heart block - A heart condition that may be caused by neonatal lupus, leading to abnormal electrical signals in the heart and potential heart failure in babies.
Creatinine - A waste product produced by muscles. Elevated levels of creatinine in the blood can indicate kidney dysfunction.
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus - A form of lupus that occurs when the immune system attacks skin cells, causing rashes and sores.
Drug-induced lupus erythematosus - A form of lupus triggered by certain medications.
Erythrocytes - Red blood cells. Carry oxygen throughout the body. Lupus can cause a decrease in red blood cell count (anemia).
Flare-up (flare) - A period when lupus symptoms worsen due to an increase in disease activity.
Hematocrit - A measure of the percentage by volume of red blood cells in your blood.
Hemoglobin - A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
Inflammation - Your immune system's natural response to infection or injury. In lupus, inflammation can damage various organs and tissues.
Leukocytes - White blood cells. Help protect the body from infection. Lupus can cause a decrease in white blood cell count (leukopenia).
Lupus nephritis - A kidney disease caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Occurs when autoantibodies attack the kidneys.
Malar rash (butterfly rash) - A hallmark rash of lupus, typically across the cheeks and nose in the shape of a butterfly. It often worsens with sun exposure.
Neonatal lupus erythematosus - A rare form of lupus affecting newborns. It can lead to congenital heart block and other issues.
Photosensitivity - Sensitivity to sunlight that can cause rashes, flares, or worsening of lupus symptoms when exposed to the sun.
Platelets (thrombocytes) - Blood cells involved in clotting. In lupus patients, the immune system may attack platelets, leading to low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia).
Pneumonia - A lung infection that may occur as a complication in lupus patients, particularly if inflammation of the chest cavity lining develops.
Seizure - Sudden, uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain, which can occur in people with lupus affecting the central nervous system.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) - The most common form of lupus. Occurs when the immune system attacks various organs, such as the skin, joints, kidneys, and heart.
Titer - The number of times a blood sample can be diluted before the antibodies can no longer be detected. Titers are usually expressed as ratios, such as 1:160.
Urinalysis - A test that examines the presence of protein, blood cells, and other substances in your urine.
