Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a type of lupus erythematosus. It is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system of the body attacks the healthy tissues of the body, usually involving all the tissue systems of the body, including the heart, kidneys, joints, lungs, and even blood cells. Stem cell therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus has gained acceptance among the medical community and is widely used to treat the condition.
Causes of Systemic Lupus
The cause of lupus is unclear. However, there seems to be something that inhibits the immune system from attacking other areas of the body. That is why one of the main types of treatments is to suppress the immune system. Identifying the cause is unfortunately the focus of much research.
Factors that may contribute to the development of lupus include viruses, environmental chemicals, and a person’s genetic makeup.
Female hormones are thought to play a role in developing lupus, in part, because women are affected by lupus considerably more often than men. This is particularly the case for women during their reproductive years, when hormones are at their highest levels.
Symptoms of Systemic Lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus typically presents symptoms with varying levels of severity. The symptoms differ from patient to patient. With stem cell therapy for systemic lupus in India, patients now have the opportunity to be monitored by a doctor and live a normal lifestyle. Common symptoms include:
- Arthritis, which has swollen and painful joints
- Severe fatigue
- Butterfly rash over the cheeks and nose
- Anemia
- Hair loss
- Malfunctioning clotting system
- Headaches
- Fingers itching in the cold
- Fingers become blue or white, a condition called Raynaud’s phenomenon
Some symptoms are localized to the component being attacked, e.g., the heart, skin, symptoms of the excretory system, and symptoms of the respiratory system.Stem cell therapy for systemic lupus in Delhi, India.
Diagnosis of Systemic Lupus
Based on the assessment of the medical history and symptoms, a physician may recommend some blood and imaging tests. A liver biopsy may also be recommended for the patient. Blood tests to assess how the liver is functioning are common, and they typically include:
Prothrombin time or partial thromboplastin time/INR. These tests are examining factors in blood clotting that are produced by the liver.
Albumin and total serum protein. Albumin is a protein made by the liver; when albumin is lower than expected, it can lead to low protein levels in the blood.
Bilirubin test to test for the amount of bilirubin in the patient. Bilirubin is produced when the liver breaks down globin from hemoglobin. When bilirubin is elevated, jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and/or eyes, occurs.
Blood tests to assess inflammation.
Blood tests to check liver enzymes and liver inflammation are also conducted.
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH). If there is an increase in these enzymes, this indicates that there is liver injury and the death of liver cells.
Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT). If this level is elevated, it could be due to alcohol use or a disease of the bile duct.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP). If there is an increased ALP value, this may mean that there is a blockage in the bile duct. When considering or contemplating your options for stem cell treatment for systemic lupus in Delhi, India, you are opening doors to
Treatment of Systemic Lupus
Recent studies have provided promising indications of the potential use of mesenchymal stem cells in treating systemic lupus erythematosus. Mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into bone and cartilage, which can supply a great deal of help in regenerating tissue. Mesenchymal stem cells are not recognized by the immune system; this allows for their potential use in treating autoimmunities such as systemic lupus erythematosus. The studies provided mesenchymal cells to patients suffering from SLE, and it was shown to some extent mesenchymal cells were recruited to sites of inflammation, similar to seeing this within normal physiologic healing. Therefore, they assisted with the regeneration of the damaged tissue. There was considerable success determined within those patients used for the study. However, the authors cautioned there is more work to be done for this particular research. Another fact worth mentioning is there were no reported side effects throughout the few years of follow-up. The long-term effect of the mesenchymal stem cells is still indeterminate.
FAQs
1. What is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and how does stem cell therapy help?
SLE is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack healthy tissues in the body, including organs, when involved, such as the heart, kidneys, joints, and skin. Stem cell therapy (particularly the use of mesenchymal stem cells) can lead to decreased inflammation, repaired injured tissues, and regulated immune system activity.
2. What patients may be treated with stem cell treatment for lupus in Delhi and Noida?
Patients who have moderate to severe symptoms due to lupus who have not responded well to conventional treatments, such as immunosuppressants or steroids, may benefit. Stem cell therapy is particularly considered when the disease is affecting quality of life and usually affects lifestyle.
3. Is stem cell therapy safe in specific lupus patients?
Investigations in patients receiving mesenchymal stem cell therapy have generally been considered to be safe; generally, no major adverse effects are recorded in longer-duration follow-up studies. However, research is ongoing, and the patient should go through a thorough medical evaluation to ensure the treatment is appropriate.
4. What lupus symptoms may stem cell therapy improve?
Stem cell therapy may improve symptoms such as joint pain and arthritis, fatigue, skin rash, anemia, and complications of organ involvement. As previously discussed, repairing damaged tissues and modulating the immune system can improve daily function and decrease disease activity.