Lupus Risk Factors

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• QWhat increases my baby's risk for neonatal lupus?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Neonatal lupus is an autoimmune disorder, which basically means that your child's body is allergic to itself. This can result in a number of symptoms, some temporary and some permanent. Most of the symptoms, such as low blood count, skin rash and liver problems, resolve within the first few months of your child's life. More rarely, babies with neonatal lupus may also experience congenital heart block, which is a serious condition that interferes with heart function.

  Your baby may be at risk for neonatal lupus if you can answer "yes" to any of the following questions.

  • Have you been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjogren's syndrome or other autoimmune disease?
  • Have you been told that you have anti-Ro (SSA) or anti-La (SSB) antibodies?

  If you are pregnant and have been diagnosed with any of the above conditions, let your doctor know so that they can give you the most appropriate level of prenatal care.

  If you are at risk for having a child with neonatal lupus or if your infant has a rash, your doctor may examine your baby for the disease. The doctor will generally look at your child's liver function and blood count to determine whether they are abnormal, which could signify neonatal lupus. In addition, the doctor may also examine your child for other general indicators of disease, present within the blood.

• QWhat causes lupus?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Lupus occurs most commonly in women of childbearing age (15 to 44). In the U.S., this disease occurs more frequently in African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans and Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders. Having family members with lupus also increases one's risk of getting this disease. Exposure to sunlight also can be a factor that increases risk in those with genes predisposed to the illness, although exactly why is not known. Additional risk factors include smoking, long-term use of certain medications, having Epstein-Barr virus, and extended exposure to silica, mercury and other chemicals.

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• QHow does lupus affect the body?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack and inflame otherwise healthy tissues and organs. The heart is among the organs that can be damaged by this disease and heart disease is a primary cause of death among those with lupus. Lupus can cause inflammation of the heart and the tissues and support structure surrounding it. Additionally, those with lupus are at greater risk of developing hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). In fact, people with lupus develop atherosclerosis at a higher rate and much sooner than their peers who do not have lupus. To reduce the risk of heart disease, people with lupus need to maintain normal blood pressure, normal cholesterol levels and exercise regularly.

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• QDo genetics play a role in the development of lupus?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Researchers believe that family history and environment have something to do with developing the problem. A family member can pass on a tendency toward lupus and then factors in your environment can affect that tendency. In rare cases, a mother can pass the lupus antibodies to her child during pregnancy creating a condition called neonatal lupus.

  Neonatal lupus is a type of autoimmune disease, meaning that your baby's body is allergic to itself. You do not need to have any signs or symptoms of an autoimmune disease in order to pass along the trait. Environment may also be a factor. Research also suggests that the virus that causes mononucleosis can cause lupus in people who are genetically predisposed to it.

• QCan lupus put me at risk for blood clots?

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  A Dr. Diana K. Blythe, MD , Pediatrics, answered on behalf of Pediatric Associates

  Lupus can put you at risk for blood clots in a few different ways. First, a good number of people with lupus make antibodies which make clots more likely. Second, people with lupus have chronic inflammation in their blood vessels. Any inflammation of the blood vessels can make clots more likely. Lastly, people with lupus can have chronic pain. Chronic pain can cause people to lead sedentary lifestyles. By slowing down the movement of blood, you have an additional risk factor for blood clots.