In this episode of the Lupus Foundation of America's The Expert Series podcast, Dr. Cindy Aranow discusses the newly released American College of Rheumatology treatment guidelines for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). She explains the importance of these guidelines in providing evidence-based recommendations for individualized patient care, the process of developing and updating the guidelines and key changes that emphasize optimal disease control and reducing long-term steroid use. Dr. Aranow highlights the need for patient engagement and communication with health care providers to ensure effective management of lupus.

This episode of The Expert Series was sponsored by AstraZeneca. The Lupus Foundation of America would like to thank AstraZeneca for their support of education programs for people with lupus.

Sign up to receive emails from the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) when new episodes are published: https://support.lupus.org/site/SPageNavigator/email_subscribe_expert_series.html

Episode Takeaways:

• Treatment guidelines are recommendations, not mandates, and support - not replace - your doctor’s clinical judgment.
• Lupus is a highly individualized disease, so care must be tailored to each person.
• A diverse group of experts develops and regularly updates guidelines based on new research.
• Guidelines help clinicians navigate complex and evolving medical evidence.
• Recent guidelines emphasize achieving remission or low disease activity while reducing long-term steroid use.
• Open communication and active patient involvement are essential for effective treatment decisions.

Related Resources:

• Ask a Lupus Health Educator (LFA): https://www.lupus.org/care-support/ask-a-health-educator
• Find Support Near You (LFA): https://www.lupus.org/resources/find-support-near-you
• National Resource Center on Lupus (LFA): https://www.lupus.org/resources
• The Expert Series (LFA): https://www.lupus.org/resources/lupus-the-expert-series
• New Lupus Treatment Guidelines (ACR): https://rheumatology.org/press-releases/new-lupus-sle-clinical-practice-guidelines-released

In this episode of the Lupus Foundation of America's The Expert Series podcast, Dr. Amit Saxena dives into why vaccines are such a powerful tool for people living with lupus. Since lupus and some of its treatments can weaken the immune system, getting the right vaccines can make a big difference in staying healthy and preventing serious infections. Dr. Saxena also breaks down which vaccines are most important and how lupus medications can impact their effectiveness.

Sign up to receive emails from the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) when new episodes are published: https://support.lupus.org/site/SPageNavigator/email_subscribe_expert_series.html

Episode Takeaways:

• Vaccines help protect people with lupus from serious infections, which can be harder for them to fight off.
• Getting the flu, COVID-19, and shingles vaccines is especially important.
• Some lupus medications might need to be paused before getting certain vaccines, so make sure to talk to your doctor first.
• While side effects can sometimes feel stronger, vaccines are generally safe and effective for people with lupus.
• Adults with lupus may also need booster shots or updated versions of vaccines they received as kids.

Related Resources:

• Ask a Lupus Health Educator: https://www.lupus.org/care-support/ask-a-health-educator
• Find Support Near You: https://www.lupus.org/resources/find-support-near-you
• Be Prepared to Fight Flu and COVID this Winter: https://www.lupus.org/blog/be-prepared-to-fight-flu-and-covid-this-winter
• Lupus and Vaccines: https://www.lupus.org/resources/lupus-and-vaccines
• National Resource Center on Lupus: https://www.lupus.org/resources
• The Expert Series: https://www.lupus.org/resources/lupus-the-expert-series

En este episodio de La Serie de Expertos, el pódcast de la Fundación de Lupus de América, la Dra. Olga Kromo analiza las complejidades del lupus y su impacto en el manejo del dolor. Aborda los distintos tipos de dolor, las opciones de tratamiento y la carga emocional que conlleva el dolor crónico. Destaca la importancia de comprender el origen del dolor, mantener una comunicación clara con los profesionales de la salud y contar con una atención integral. Asimismo, resalta la relación entre el dolor y la fatiga, el papel de la alimentación y las investigaciones futuras que ofrecen tratamientos prometedores.

This episode is also available in English. Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0bJcmfMlrSJno9EtoYbBYW

Regístrese para recibir correos electrónicos de la Fundación de Lupus de América (LFA) cuando se publiquen nuevos episodios: https://support.lupus.org/site/SPageNavigator/email_subscribe_expert_series.html (en inglés)

Conclusiones:

• El lupus es una enfermedad compleja que causa inflamación y diferentes tipos de dolor.
• El dolor crónico y la fatiga pueden afectar de manera significativa la vida diaria, el bienestar emocional y la salud mental.
• El manejo del dolor a menudo requiere medicamentos, cambios en el estilo de vida y técnicas de reducción del estrés.
• La alimentación desempeña un papel importante en el manejo de los síntomas del lupus.
• La comunicación clara con los profesionales de la salud y el seguimiento de los síntomas son fundamentales para una atención eficaz.
• Las redes de apoyo, la educación y la investigación en curso ofrecen esperanza de tratamientos mejorados y futuros avances.

In this episode of the Lupus Foundation of America's The Expert Series podcast, Dr. Olga Kromo discusses the complexities of lupus and its impact on pain management. She covers types of pain, treatment options, and the emotional toll of chronic pain. She emphasizes understanding the source of pain, clear communication with providers, and comprehensive care. She also highlights the link between pain and fatigue, the role of diet, and future research with promising treatments.

Este episodio también está disponible en español. Escúchelo aquí: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3cC5lbZcrrMkTVV31xkejC

Sign up to receive emails from the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) when new episodes are published: https://support.lupus.org/site/SPageNavigator/email_subscribe_expert_series.html

Episode Takeaways:

• Lupus is a complex disease that causes inflammation and different types of pain.
• Chronic pain and fatigue can greatly affect daily life, emotional well-being, and mental health.
• Pain management often requires medications, lifestyle changes, and stress reduction techniques.
• Diet plays an important role in managing lupus symptoms.
• Clear communication with healthcare providers and tracking symptoms are key to effective care.
• Support networks, education, and ongoing research offer hope for improved treatments and future breakthroughs.

In this episode of the Lupus Foundation of America's The Expert Series podcast, we focus on the unique challenges faced by men with lupus, a group that often experiences delayed diagnosis and is impacted by widespread misconceptions. Dr. Lisa Sammaritano shares how lupus symptoms can differ between men and women, and how the disease can affect mental health, identity, and quality of life. We also discuss reproductive health concerns and the evolving landscape of lupus treatment. For men who are newly diagnosed, Dr. Sammaritano offers practical guidance and emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, education, and seeking support throughout the lupus journey.

Sign up to receive emails from the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) when new episodes are published.

Episode Takeaways:

• Lupus in men is often overlooked, leading to delayed diagnosis and misunderstandings about the disease.
• Symptoms and disease progression can differ in men, making personalized care especially important.
• Self-advocacy and education are key to managing lupus and navigating the healthcare system.
• Mental health and reproductive health concerns are important but often under-addressed aspects of living with lupus.
• Support from peers, family, and friends plays a vital role in coping and improving quality of life.

Related Resources:

• Ask a Lupus Health Educator (LFA)
• Find Support Near You (LFA)
• National Resource Center on Lupus (LFA)
• American College of Rheumatology (ACR)
• Systemic lupus erythematosus and male reproductive health: A systematic review and meta-analysis
• Impact of sex disparities on the clinical manifestations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

In this episode of the Lupus Foundation of America's The Expert Series podcast, we explore the intersection of menopause and lupus, highlighting the unique challenges faced by women with lupus during this significant life transition. Dr. Mehret Birru Talabi explains the stages of menopause, its effects on lupus symptoms, and the importance of individualized care. We also cover hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle factors, and the necessity of self-advocacy in managing health during menopause. And although we know it isn’t easy, we also talk about how important it is for women to prioritize their health and seek support from their health care team.

Sign up to receive emails from the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) when new episodes are published.

Episode Takeaways:

• Menopause is a significant transition in women's lives. Because most people with lupus are women, most people with lupus will experience this transition.

• Estrogen plays an important role in autoimmune diseases like lupus and fluctuating estrogen levels during menopause can cause both increases and decreases in disease activity.

• Hormone replacement therapy can be an option for women with lupus who are having difficulty managing the symptoms of menopause. There is no one size fits all approach to lupus or menopause and women should discuss all of their options with their health care team.

• Lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise are vital in managing menopause symptoms and lupus. Even small changes can lead to positive results.

• Quality of life matters and women with lupus don’t have to face difficult symptoms of menopause without help. Learning and practicing self-advocacy is essential for women navigating menopause and lupus.

Related Resources:

• Grown Women Talk: Your Guide to Getting and Staying Healthy by Sharon Malone
• Ask a Lupus Health Educator (LFA)
• Find Support Near You (LFA)
• National Resource Center on Lupus (LFA)
• The Expert Series: Lupus and Antiphospholipid Syndrome (LFA)
• The Expert Series: Planning for Pregnancy With Lupus (LFA)

This episode explores the complex relationship between lupus and fibromyalgia, focusing on definitions, symptoms, overlapping conditions, treatment approaches, mental health implications, cultural influences, lifestyle factors, diagnostic tools, and the importance of patient advocacy. Experts Drs. Peter Izmirly and Kelly Corbitt provide insights into the challenges faced by patients with both conditions and discuss the need for better understanding and treatment options.

Sign up to receive emails from the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) when new episodes are published.

Related Resources:

Drs. Ashira Blazer and Denise Kimbrough discuss the recent removal of the African American/Black race coefficient from the Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI) by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). Learn about the implications for lupus patients with kidney disease and the potential impacts on health equity.

Episode Takeaways:

Sign up to receive emails from the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) when new episodes are published.

Related Resources:

March is Kidney Month! Join us for a conversation with Dr. Brad Rovin, an expert in autoimmune kidney disease, where we talk about lupus nephritis and kidney health for people with lupus.

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Sasha Bernatsky, about lupus and cancer, if there’s a link between lupus and cancer, and a new abstract about cancer incidence and risk factors in a large SLE cohort. 

Dr. Bernatsky is a rheumatologist, a James McGill professor and a senior scientist in the Centre for Health Outcomes Research and Division of Clinical Epidemiology at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre. Her expertise lies in using ‘big data’ from health services, linked to additional clinical sources of information.

SUBSCRIBE to receive an email update when new episodes of The Expert Series are released.