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.
Antimalarials - A class of medications originally developed to treat malaria, such as hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, and quinacrine, that help reduce inflammation, prevent lupus flares, and lower the need for other treatments.
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
Chloroquine (Aralen) - An antimalarial drug sometimes used to treat skin-related lupus symptoms.
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.
Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) - An antimalarial medication taken long-term by most lupus patients to control symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
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).
Lichenoid eruption - A skin reaction that resembles certain lupus rashes, sometimes triggered by medications.
Lupus headache - A severe, persistent headache associated with lupus activity often unable to be addressed by standard pain relievers.
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.
Quinacrin (Atabrine) - An antimalarial that can be used when other lupus treatments are ineffective or not tolerated.
Remission - A phase when lupus symptoms and disease activity lessen significantly or disappear for a period of time.
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.
Triggers - Factors that can provoke a lupus flare, including stress, sunlight, infections, and certain medications.
Urinalysis - A test that examines the presence of protein, blood cells, and other substances in your urine.
