Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by widespread inflammation that often results in damage to the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys and blood vessels. An estimated 1.5 million Americans have some form of lupus, and 90% are women between the ages of 15 and 44. Lupus is more prevalent among women of color, who also develop symptoms at younger ages and have more severe symptoms and complications from the disease. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common type of lupus, affecting multiple parts of the body, and cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) primarily affects the skin. Because the symptoms of lupus mimic other diseases, a majority of patients are initially misdiagnosed, and it can take up to 6 years and seeing multiple health care specialists before receiving an accurate diagnosis. Women living with lupus have a greater risk for developing other chronic conditions, such as heart disease and osteoporosis, or lupus nephritis due to kidney inflammation and damage. Although lupus does not affect fertility, pregnant women should be aware of potential complications, such as preeclampsia.
There is no cure for lupus, and the limited treatments available primarily focus on reducing symptom flares, resulting in insufficiently improved health outcomes. There is a pressing need to address gaps in research and clinical education, and to develop policy solutions that will eliminate barriers to access for treatments and quality care for women.
SWHR hosted a virtual public forum to discuss the impacts of lupus on women’s health, including the experiences of women living with lupus, and how to navigate access and management of care.
This public forum is a follow-up to SWHR’s Lupus Roundtable in June 2022, to identify gaps in research, clinical practice, policy, and education.
This is event part of the SWHR Closing the Loop for Lupus series, which includes:
Closing the Loop for Lupus in Women’s Health Care (June 15, 2022)
