Difference between Lupus and Sarcoidosis

We live in a time when infections have been reduced or eradicated and are no longer one of the greatest fears of people, but nature has found other ways to keep the human population in check. Autoimmune diseases are a new type of disease that have been identified in recent decades and are constantly growing. Disorders in which the body’s defense system begins to attack its own cells due to a genetic mutation are called autoimmune disorders. Examples are rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, among others.  Difference between Lupus and Sarcoidosis

LUPUS  Difference between Lupus and Sarcoidosis

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, is one of those autoimmune diseases that has increased steadily in the last decade. It affects several organs and tissues at the same time, such as the heart, skin, joints, kidneys, nervous system, liver, lungs, and blood vessels. On the other hand, sarcoidosis is another autoimmune disease where inflammatory cells coalesce and granulomas (nodules) form in various tissues throughout the body.

Lupus and sarcoidosis are diseases known for the intermittent nature of their exacerbations. There are periods when the patient is symptom-free (remission), followed by severe flare-ups (exacerbations). There is no fixed duration between remission or exacerbation. Sarcoidosis is believed to be a reaction to an old infection that continues even though the infection that caused it is gone. Genetics play an important role in both diseases.

The symptoms of lupus can be seen in all the systems it affects. On the skin we can see disc-shaped rashes, butterfly-shaped rashes on the nose and cheeks, hair loss, ulcers in the mouth / nose / vagina. It produces pain in the joints, especially in the small joints of the hands such as the knuckles, it is also common to see the wrists with swelling and redness. Joint deformities are rare. Lupus causes anemia, reduces platelets and white blood cells. In addition, it can cause inflammation of the linings of the heart, resulting in pericarditis, endocarditis, or myocarditis. In the lungs, it can cause inflammation of the lining that covers them, called pleurisy. Fluid accumulation in the lungs and diffuse inflammation of the lung tissue are common. It can damage the kidneys, which leads to loss of protein through urine and can lead to long-term kidney failure. It can also cause neuropsychiatric symptoms such as seizure disorders, psychosis, anxiety, and neurosis.

SARCOIDOSIS

Sacoidosis produces symptoms where nodules of cells form. The liver, lungs, skin, eyes, brain, heart, and blood can be affected. The lungs are most often affected with nodules and progressive dyspnea due to generalized inflammation in the lung tissue. Enlargement of the lymph nodes, inflammation of the layers of the eye called uveitis, damage to the heart valves, anemia, an enlarged spleen, pain in the peripheral nerves, hair loss in parts, and dry mouth are some of the ways in which This disease manifests itself when it attacks the system. Unlike lupus, this disease rarely affects the joints and kidneys.

The diagnosis of lupus is made by identifying antibodies, called antinuclear antibodies, in the blood sample. There is an 11-point WHO criteria, including the signs, symptoms, and blood tests that are needed to confirm SLE. Sarcoidosis is often identified after excluding all other possible conditions. A chest x-ray, chest CT scan, symptomatic organ tissue samples, are the tests that are generally applied to provide a diagnosis.

There is no cure for lupus. Treatment is oriented towards palliation and improvement of quality of life. Pain relievers are given for joint pain. Dietary deficiencies are corrected with nutritional supplements. Steroids are often the treatment option to keep exacerbations under control and prevent the disease from worsening. Symptomatic treatment is given for all other symptoms. On the other hand, almost 30-70% of patients with sarcoidosis need treatment. The observable symptoms are managed using steroids and immunosuppressants such as methrotrexate.

Key differences between lupus and sarcoidosis  Difference between Lupus and Sarcoidosis

1. Lupus has deposits of immune complexes, while sacoidosis has deposits of inflammatory cells that form nodules in the organs.
2. Both are incurable and have periods of remission and exacerbations, but unlike lupus, sacoidosis rarely affects the kidneys and joints.

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