Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Evaluation Program

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), or simply known as lupus, is an autoimmune condition whereby the immune system erroneously attacks many parts of the body’s healthy tissue. Symptoms range between mild to severe. Common symptoms include fever, mouth ulcers, painful and swollen joints, chest pain, inflamed lymph nodes, tiredness, and red rashes in mainly the facial areas. The condition goes through periods of “flares”, followed by periods of remissions.

The cause of SLE is not clear though some scientists attribute it to genetics factors accompanied with certain environmental exposures such as sunlight or smoking. Other factors include female sex hormones, vitamin D deficiency, and certain infections. The mechanism involves an immune response by autoantibodies against a person’s own tissues.

There are a number of other kinds of lupus erythematosus including discoid lupus erythematosus, neonatal lupus, and subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus.

As of yet, there is no cure for SLE, but rather an effective treatment which could include Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, hydroxychloroquine, and methotrexate. SLE increases the risk of cardiovascular disease with this being the most common cause of death, but with modern treatments, about 80% of those affected survive more than 15 years.

Rate of SLE varies between countries from 20 to 70 per 100,000. Women of childbearing age are affected about nine times more often than men.

Statistical research has shown this condition being most commonly between the ages of 15 and 45, and people of African, and Chinese descent have higher risk exposure than white people. Diagnosed early, it would be possible to undertake the necessary steps to prevent major health complications.

The Systemic Lupus Erythematosus program includes the following:

EVALUATION AND CONSULTATION:

• Initial evaluation, consultation, clinical history review and confection of medical records
• Specialized internal medicine care.

LABORATORY TESTING:

• Minimal Coagulogram test
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) test
• Uric Acid test
• Creatinine test
• Protein Electrophoresis test
• Glycemia test
• Urea test
• Anti-double Stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) test
• Antinuclear Antibodies test
• Lupus Erythematosus Cell (LE) test (2)
• Quantitative Rheumatoid Factor test
• Circulating Immune Complexes test
• Cyturia test
• HIV test
• Serology (VDRL) test
• C-Reactive Protein test
• Glomerular filtration rate by endogenous creatinine clearance test
• 24-hour proteinuria test

LABORATORY IMAGING AND OTHER INVESTIGATIONS:

• Simple skin biopsy (2)
• Electrocardiogram test
• Doppler echocardiography test
• Chest X ray
• Upper abdominal ultrasound

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• The above program does not include medications for certain conditions such as
  depression, blood coagulation, etc.
• Medicaments, fluids, blood and derivatives to be used, as well as additional procedure(s) performed not included in the exact treatment would be invoiced separately on upon the conclusion of said treatment / procedure(s)

• Electronic patient bed
• Equipment for disabled patient
• Oxygen hookup
• Three AP meals taking into account the patient’s preferences and / or special diets prescribed by physician
• Fully equipped private bathroom
• Infirmary and nursing care
• Colour TV with national and international channels
• Local and international phone services (extra cost will apply)
• Safe box
• Internet service on every floor
• Laundry services

ADDITIONAL SERVICES INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM:

• Assistance in visa issuance and extension (If needs be)
• Each patient/ companion will be assigned a multi-lingual field member with the mandate of attending to all of our patients’ translation and personal needs;
• 20 hours internet service;
• Local airport pickup and drop off; and
• Hospital pickup and drop off (if needed)

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