Definitions, causes, and diagnosis of autoimmune disease. What is lupus and how is it diagnosed? ; The other systemic autoimmune diseases ; What causes lupus? ; The meaning of all those test results
How lupus affects the body. How SLE directly affects the body ; Constitutional symptoms ; The musculoskeletal system ; Skin and mucous membranes ; Blood and lymph systems ; The respiratory system ; The heart and blood vessels ; The urinary system ; The nervous system ; The exocrine gland system ; The digestive system ; Eyes ; The endocrine system ; The reproductive system and pregnancy ; Special populations and surgery ; Prognosis
Other complications of lupus and their treatments. Heart attacks and strokes ; Infections ; Cancer and SLE ; Osteoporosis ; Avascular necrosis of bone ; Adrenal insufficiency ; Fibromyalgia ; Gastroesophageal reflux and stomach ulcers
Treating lupus. General treatment of lupus ; Anti-malarials ; Steroids ; Immunosuppressants ; Biologic agents ; Benlysta : the first FDA-approved drug for lupus in more than fifty years ; Other therapies for SLE ; Prescription pain medicines ; Future treatments for SLE ; Nonmedical therapies for lupus ; Complementary and alternative medicine
Practical matters. Talking to your doctor and deciphering symptoms ; Becoming pregnant, breast-feeding, and using contraception ; Health insurance and affording healthcare ; Working and dealing with disability ; The lupus secrets checklist.
