The Lupus Encyclopedia: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families. Este artículo no está disponible.The Lupus Encyclopedia: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that can affect any system and organ in the body. For the 1.4 million people in the United States who have lupus, an overactive immune system senses that different parts of the body do not belong, and it attacks these parts. The immune system may strike the cells that line the joints or tendons, for example, causing pain and swelling. An incredibly complex disease, lupus must be properly treated for the optimal health and well-being of the person who has it. The Lupus Encyclopedia is an authoritative compendium that provides detailed explanations of every body system potentially affected by the disease, along with practical advice about coping. People with lupus, their loved ones, caregivers, and medical professionals-all will find here an invaluable resource. Illustrated with photographs, diagrams, and tables, The Lupus Encyclopedia explains symptoms, diagnostic methods, medications and their potential side effects, and when to seek medical attention. Dr. Donald Thomas provides information for women who wish to become pregnant and advises readers about working with a disability, complementary and alternative medicine, infections, cancer, and a host of other topics.

Donald E. Thomas, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR, is in private practice at Arthritis and Pain Associates of Prince George's County. He is a clinical professor of medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, and teaches rheumatology at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He also serves on the Medical Advisory Council of Lupus LA and is Chair Emeritus of the Medical and Scientific Advisory Council of the Lupus Foundation of America, MidAtlantic Chapter. He is the author of The Lupus Encyclopedia and Lupus: The Essential Guide and offers additional evidence-based lupus education through the Lupus Encyclopedia website at https://www.lupusencyclopedia.com/