Lupus and lupus anticoagulant are not the same.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own organs and tissues, causing inflammation and pain, commonly in the skin, joints, and internal organs such as the heart and kidneys, though it can affect any part of the body.
Lupus anticoagulant is a type of antibody found in blood that can be an indicator of a blood clotting disorder. A test used to diagnose lupus is a blood test for antiphospholipid antibodies (lupus anticoagulant [LA], immunoglobulin [Ig] G and IgM anticardiolipin [aCL] antibodies, and IgG and IgM anti-beta2-glycoprotein [GP] 1). About half of all people with lupus have these antibodies. One of these antibodies is the lupus anticoagulant. If the lupus anticoagulant is positive, over a 20-year period of time, 50% of these patients will experience a blood clot.
What Other Tests Are Used to Diagnose Lupus?
Other tests used to help diagnose lupus or rule out other conditions include:
- Blood tests
- ANA
- Anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA)
- Antibody tests
- Blood clotting time tests
- C3 and C4 or CH50 complement levels
- Complement tests
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Creatine kinase (CK)
- Creatinine
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and/or C-reactive protein (CRP) levels
- Protein electrophoresis
- Rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies
- Serologic studies for infection
- Urine protein-to-creatinine ratio
- Urine tests
- Tissue or organ biopsies
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- X-rays
- Electrocardiography
- Ultrasound
- Echocardiography
- Tests to check for pulmonary embolism
- Diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide
What Are Symptoms of Lupus?
Symptoms of lupus include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Joint pain or swelling
- Swelling in the hands, feet, or around the eyes
- Fever
- Headache
- Sensitivity to light
- Chest pain when inhaling deeply, caused by inflammation in the lining of the lungs
- Butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and nose
- Raised red patches on the skin
- Sores in the mouth or nose
- Arthritis in two or more joints
- Seizures or other nerve problems
- Hair loss
- Fingers and toes turning white or blue and feeling numb when exposed to cold or stress (Raynaud’s disease)
- Weight loss
- Muscle pain
- Skin lesions
- Blood clots, which can lead to stroke or seizures
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Respiratory problems
- Neurologic and psychiatric problems
- Blood abnormalities
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Eye problems
- Excess protein in the urine
What Is the Treatment for Lupus?
Lupus is usually treated with medications to help manage symptoms, such as:
- Anti-inflammatories and steroids
- Antimalarials (to help protect skin from rashes and UV light)
- Biologics
- Immunosuppressives
- Anticoagulants
Home treatment that may help patients manage symptoms of lupus include:
- Sun protection
- Dietary modifications
- Avoiding smoking
- Regular exercise
- Vaccination as recommended by your doctor
- Management of other medical conditions such as high blood pressure or osteoporosis
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https://www.lupus.org/
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/epidemiology-and-pathogenesis-of-systemic-lupus-erythematosus?search=What%20Causes%20Lupus%3F&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1#H7
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-of-systemic-lupus-erythematosus-in-adults?search=Lupus&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1#H2215760526
https://www.cdc.gov/lupus/basics/women.htm
https://www.hopkinslupus.org/lupus-tests/antiphospholipid-antibodies/