Lupus Center of Excellence
The UPMC Lupus Center of Excellence offers comprehensive care for lupus patients. Our specialized physicians carefully review each patient’s history and administer a physical examination and lab tests to ensure a proper diagnosis.
Once a diagnosis of lupus is confirmed, our team develops individualized treatment plans to help patients manage the disease and lead a normal and active lifestyle.
About Lupus
Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect virtually any organ system of the body, but mostly involves the skin, joints, kidney, brain, blood, and heart. Normally, the body’s immune system forms antibodies that identify and act against foreign cells, such as bacteria. In lupus, autoantibodies (a group of antibodies that mistakenly target and damage specific tissues or organs of the body) attack the body’s healthy tissues and organs. Lupus can be characterized by periods of illness known as "flares." It is also common for the disease to go into remission, or inactivity.
Nine of 10 patients with lupus are women. Women of African American, Hispanic, and Asian descent are more likely to develop lupus than Caucasian women.
The exact cause of lupus is unknown. Experts believe that lupus may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but sometimes it can be triggered by the use of certain medications. When it is medication-related, discontinuation of the drug often helps to resolve the symptoms. Sometimes, lupus may affect the skin only, with no internal organ involvement.
View diagnosis of this condition.