Lupus (SLE)
MBChB (New Zealand), PGDipObstMedGyn, FRACP (New Zealand), FAMS (Rheumatology)
Common risk factors include:
Women, especially during reproductive years, are at higher risk.
A family history of autoimmune disease may increase susceptibility.
Sunlight, infections, or certain medications can trigger flares in predisposed individuals.
Lupus is more common among Asians, Africans and Hispanics and often presents with more severe disease in these populations.
Lupus symptoms vary according to the organs that are affected. They often mimic other conditions and may appear suddenly or develop gradually, making early diagnosis challenging. Seek a medical evaluation if you experience:
Persistent joint pain, stiffness, or swelling- Unexplained fatigue or low-grade fevers
- Skin rashes, especially a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Mouth ulcers or hair loss
- Unexplained chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling in the legs
Prompt evaluation by a rheumatologist is important, as early treatment can help reduce complications and protect organ function.
Diagnosing lupus involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and sometimes imaging or organ-specific assessments. Since lupus can affect many organ systems, diagnosis often requires several tests to confirm the condition. These include:
This test can show if you have low red or white blood cell count, or low platelet count. These changes may occur in lupus and can cause symptoms like fatigue or easy bruising.
A urine test can reveal blood or protein in the urine, which may be a sign that lupus is affecting the kidneys. Detecting this early allows prompt treatment to protect long-term kidney health.
This test measures the level of inflammation in the body. A high ESR may suggest inflammation or active disease. When treatment is effective and lupus is under control, the ESR often improves.
Lupus can affect the kidney in different ways and treatment depends on the severity of the involvement. Sometimes, a small sample of kidney tissue (kidney biopsy) may be needed to guide the best possible treatment.
Blood tests can measure how well your kidneys and liver are working since lupus can affect these organs.
Imaging tests such as a chest X-ray or echocardiogram may be required to evaluate if the lupus has affected the lungs or heart.
This test looks for antibodies that suggest your immune system is overactive. While most people with lupus have a positive ANA test, a positive result does not always mean you have lupus. Your doctor will evaluate this result together with your symptoms and examination findings.
How Do Rheumatologists Treat Lupus?
Treatment for lupus is highly individualised, depending on the organs involved and the severity of symptoms. The goals of treatment are to control disease activity, prevent flares and organ damage and preserve long-term health.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help relieve common lupus symptoms like fever, joint pains, joint swelling and muscle aches.
Antimalarial drugs are disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that relieve lupus symptoms, reduce disease flares and have been shown to improve long-term outcomes.
Corticosteroids work quickly to control the inflammation of lupus.
Immunosuppressants and biologics may be needed to suppress the immune system in more severe cases of lupus, where major organs are affected. These medications reduce inflammation, treat disease flares and prevent organ damage.
Alongside medications, lifestyle choices play an important role in managing lupus. These may include:
- Protecting your skin from the sun with clothing and sunscreen
- Eating a balanced diet to support overall health
- Staying active with regular, gentle exercise when possible
- Prioritising adequate rest to help manage fatigue
Because lupus symptoms can change over time, regular follow-ups with your rheumatologist are essential. Monitoring allows your doctor to adjust treatment when needed, minimise medication side effects and detect organ involvement early, when it is most treatable.
Our Rheumatologist
Dr Poh Yih Jia
Senior Consultant Rheumatologist
Dr Poh Yih Jia is a senior consultant rheumatologist with over 20 years of medical experience in New
Zealand and Singapore. She has a particular expertise in managing lupus in women of childbearing age,
including those planning for pregnancy or already pregnant.
Her commitment to patient-centred care has earned her multiple awards, including the Singapore Health
Quality Award and the Service with a Heart Award. She remains dedicated to advancing rheumatology
through clinical practice, education and research, ensuring her patients receive the most up-to-date and
evidence-based care in autoimmune diseases like lupus.
FAQs on Lupus
Lupus is not directly inherited, but having a family history of autoimmune disease may increase the risk.
There is currently no cure, but with treatment, many patients achieve long periods of remission and lead active lives.
No. However, some of the medications used to treat lupus can affect fertility. Consult a rheumatologist if you’re trying for a baby.
Yes, lupus pregnancies are associated with increased risks, but with specialised care and careful planning, many women with lupus have healthy pregnancies and babies.
While lupus can be serious, especially if it affects major organs, timely treatment and regular monitoring greatly reduce the risks of life-threatening complications.