17

What is the history of Lupus?

When was Lupus discovered? What is the story of this discovery? Was it coincidence or not?

History of Lupus

Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects various parts of the body. It is a complex condition with a long and fascinating history, dating back to ancient times.



Ancient History:



The earliest known evidence of lupus dates back to ancient Egypt, where descriptions of symptoms resembling lupus can be found on Egyptian scrolls. The term "lupus" itself is derived from the Latin word for "wolf," as early physicians believed the facial rash associated with the disease resembled a wolf's bite.



19th Century:



It was not until the 19th century that physicians began to recognize lupus as a distinct disease. In 1828, French dermatologist Laurentius Heister coined the term "lupus erythematosus" to describe the characteristic rash seen in patients. However, it wasn't until the late 19th century that the systemic nature of the disease was fully understood.



20th Century:



In the early 20th century, researchers made significant strides in understanding lupus. In 1904, Sir William Osler, a renowned Canadian physician, classified lupus as a systemic disease rather than a skin disorder. This recognition paved the way for further research and understanding of the disease.



1940s - 1950s:



One of the most significant breakthroughs in lupus research came in the 1940s with the discovery of the lupus erythematosus (LE) cell. LE cells are abnormal immune cells found in the blood of many lupus patients. This finding provided a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying the disease.



In the 1950s, scientists made another groundbreaking discovery when they identified the presence of autoantibodies in the blood of lupus patients. These autoantibodies, known as antinuclear antibodies (ANA), attack the body's own tissues and organs, leading to the characteristic symptoms of lupus.



1980s - 1990s:



Advancements in medical technology and research techniques in the 1980s and 1990s furthered our understanding of lupus. The development of more sensitive laboratory tests, such as the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), allowed for earlier and more accurate diagnosis of the disease.



Current Research:



Today, researchers continue to explore the underlying causes and potential treatments for lupus. The focus of current research includes genetic factors, environmental triggers, and the role of the immune system in the development of the disease.



While there is no cure for lupus, advancements in treatment options have significantly improved the quality of life for those living with the disease. Medications such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and antimalarials are commonly used to manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups.



In conclusion, lupus has a rich history that spans centuries. From ancient Egypt to modern medical advancements, our understanding of the disease has evolved significantly. Ongoing research offers hope for improved treatments and, ultimately, a better future for individuals living with lupus.


Diseasemaps
7 answers
Lupus was first discovered in 1230 by the physician Rogerius who used it to describe erosive facial lesions that were reminiscent of a wolf's bite.

Posted Sep 1, 2017 by Ailsa 2000
in 1872 when Kaposi first described the systemic nature of the disorder: Kaposi proposed that there were two types of lupus erythematosus; the discoid form and a disseminated (systemic) form.

Posted Jan 29, 2018 by Kimcita 2600
Translated from spanish Improve translation
To be an autoimmune disease along the history they were studying the different symptoms separately, we were discovering little by little that the symptoms were related, and in 1954 Harvey puts lupus erythematosus systemic root in the mayo clinic researcher Philip Showalter Hench demonstrated the efficacy of corticosteroids in rheumatic diseases, which earned him the nobel in medicine in 1950

Posted Aug 31, 2017 by Prado 2000
Translated from spanish Improve translation
not the one who discovered but is called a Wolf

Posted Aug 31, 2017 by lissette 2222
Translated from spanish Improve translation
Nombre de una antigua familia romana.
William osler

Posted Aug 31, 2017 by Rosa Maria 2000
Translated from spanish Improve translation
It was discovered in the middle ages
In the century xll by Rogerius

Posted Oct 3, 2017 by FABIOLA 2010

History of Lupus

Lupus life expectancy

What is the life expectancy of someone with Lupus?

19 answers
Celebrities with Lupus

Celebrities with Lupus

2 answers
Is Lupus hereditary?

Is Lupus hereditary?

15 answers
Is Lupus contagious?

Is Lupus contagious?

12 answers
Natural treatment of Lupus

Is there any natural treatment for Lupus?

9 answers
ICD9 and ICD10 codes of Lupus

ICD10 code of Lupus and ICD9 code

5 answers
Living with Lupus

Living with Lupus. How to live with Lupus?

22 answers
Lupus diet

Lupus diet. Is there a diet which improves the quality of life of people wi...

24 answers

World map of Lupus

Find people with Lupus through the map. Connect with them and share experiences. Join the Lupus community.

Stories of Lupus

LUPUS STORIES
Lupus stories
My very long story can be found on my blog below.
Lupus stories
 In 1991 I had an intestinal virus after that I started having multiple health issues. I was never really sick prior to that. I had horrible IBS for 15 yrs. In 2006I started having extreme joint pain. I saw multiple doctors, had multiple MRI's and x...
Lupus stories
After ten years of wrong diagnosis, with the help of a private doctor, I could finally put a name to what i have been suffering for real. Here is the links of the struggle of most who suffer from rare medical conditions; https://anshikasawaram.wordp...
Lupus stories
Hi all.  It took  them 8 years  to  find out what  was  wrong.  At one stage  they told me after an other  visit to  a different  specialist ( as you know  lupus  can manifest  it self in many different ways) to  see  a head srink  a...
Lupus stories
I've had lupus for 10 years, and I'm living my life the best way I can. If you want to know more, send me a message.

Tell your story and help others

Tell my story

Lupus forum

LUPUS FORUM
Lupus forum
Has anybody suffer episodes of low temperature? Is it related to Lupus?

Ask a question and get answers from other users.

Ask a question

Find your symptoms soulmates

From now on you can add your symptoms in diseasemaps and find your symptoms soulmates. Symptoms soulmates are people with similar symptoms to you.

Symptoms soulmates

Add your symptoms and discover your soulmates map

Soulmates map