Two new variants of lupus, an autoimmune disease that affects thousands have been discovered. Lupus is hard to diagnose and relatively common among black Africans. The findings, relating to systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, could //improve diagnosis and treatment of the condition. .
‘Diagnostic tests for lupus should be broadened to include the second antibody. ’
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They could enable better management of the disease in patients of African descent, particularly in southern Africa, where incidence and mortality rates are relatively high. . SLE - the most common form of lupus - can affect many parts of the body including the kidneys, heart, lungs, blood, brain and skin. .
The new variants were identified by analysing antibodies that attack proteins in healthy cells. .
Some of the patients - almost half of those tested - carried an antibody already linked with lupus and used in its diagnosis. Patients with this antibody are more likely to have classic symptoms, including diseased organs and joints. .
A second, larger group of patients - many of whom had skin-related symptoms - carried an antibody targeting a different protein in healthy cells. This antibody was not previously known to be important for SLE and is not currently used in diagnosis. .
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The disease occurs more frequently in people of African descent, with worse symptoms and higher mortality. If diagnosed and managed early, it is usually not life-threatening, but poor and late diagnosis in the developing world leads to high mortality rates. .
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Professor Francisca Mutapi, of the University of Edinburgh's School of Biological Sciences, who led the study, said: "For the first time, we have highlighted the importance of two variants of systemic lupus that affect black Africans, including one which was previously not defined in detail. Thanks to our research, we also have the means to diagnose and distinguish them." .
Professor Elopy Sibanda, of the Asthma, Allergy and Immunology Clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe, who led the clinical aspects of the study, said: "These findings will be valuable in diagnosing SLE in affected patients. It is currently difficult to diagnose lupus erythematosus, as many symptoms overlap with those of other locally prevalent conditions, including HIV."
Source-Eurekalert