According to Science Daily, researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology and the University of Erlangen have discovered how the disease operates within the body.  This discovery may lead to better diagnosis of the disease, as well as treatment options for patients who otherwise may die from kidney failure.  They knew that those with lupus had antibodies that attack their own bodies.  They did not know, however, what the exact immune mechanism behind the attack was and whether there was hope for controlling it if it did exist.  The team found that in a normal healthy individual, the body’s white blood cells produce nets that trap and kill pathogens from an invading infection.  In lupus patients, however, the nets are composed of proteins, DNA, and white blood cells which are then attacked by antibodies.  As such, when an infection presents itself, these nets, which are supposed to fight the problem are instead being attacked themselves by antibodies.  After an infection passes, these nets and antibodies are then deposited in the kidneys, causing major health problems and sometimes over time, death.

This discovery may lead researchers to create a better diagnostic tool for lupus, as well as an array of new treatment options.  Most lupus patients die because of kidney failure so understanding exactly why the disease is harmful to the kidneys is very helpful.  What’s more is being able to isolate the mechanism will help researchers and doctors alike to focus on that area rather than medicating the entire body and hoping for a positive outcome.

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Swedish researchers decided to set out to find this control mechanism behind the B cell attacks.  The researchers focused on NKT cells because individuals with lupus traditionally have lower levels of these particular cells.  Prior to this study though, little was known about these NKT cells aside from the discrepancy in levels between lupus patients and healthy individuals.  The Swedish study found that these NKT cells can regulate whether B cells turn against the body’s own tissues reports PhysOrg.com.   Further, a decreased amount of NKT cells directly relates to irregular B cell responses, as in the case of lupus patients.

Conversely, the NKT cells can dissuade the B cells from attacking the body and therefore, an increase in these cells would do the body good.  In fact, the researchers added NKT cells during the study, which enabled them to fend off the B cell attack.  They also learned that increasing the NKT cells early on can really impede the unorthodox actions of the B cells.  What this means for lupus patients is that new treatment options may be developed that specifically address and help to increase the production of NKT cells, thereby limiting the harmful effects of B cells on the body.  Hopefully, determining this “control mechanism” will enable researchers to better understand how lupus operates and possibly how to treat the disease better.  Focusing on one particular factor may also alleviate the pain associated with many treatment options and limit the amount of drugs a person has to take.  It is default to understand a disease that appears to have no rhyme or reason; however, every single lead seems to get us closer to a cure.

Like much of the US corporate world, the Social Security Administration has come to understand the benefits of video teleconferencing. In effort to cure the backlog of cases, the SSA implemented video hearings within the last few years, and such video hearings have become more and more common.

By implementing the use of video hearings for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim hearings, the SSA has been able to greatly reduce the typical two to three-year average case length. However, it is important to understand that if and when you are approved through this newer method for SSDI benefits, the wait for payments to begin is the same.

But the video hearings spur many questions from claimants who receive notice that their hearing is to be held via video. If you are a lupus disability claimant and have received notice that your hearing is to be held via video, please rest assured that this is a perfectly good method for doing a hearing. You will still have a chance to present your case to a Judge, the only difference is that he or she may be hundreds of miles away. But in my experience, doing a hearing over video does not seem to have any negative drawbacks (unless you are truly uncomfortable with this technological medium and simply prefer a face to face interaction with a Judge).

If you have an upcoming video hearing for your Lupus case and do want to change this, then simply contact your attorney and/or the SSA and you actually have the choice to have this changed to a traditional hearing. Be warned, however, that changing your type of hearing may result in your having to wait many more months before you are able to get your Lupus Disability case heard before an ALJ.

The researchers examined records from various patients across the world who had lupus.  They found that individuals in Hong Kong had higher instances of the gene, known as Fc gamma RIIB, than those in the control group.  What is more, the researchers found that Kenyan children who had already been exposed to malaria had lower rates of the unusual gene than those in the general population, according to the Detroit Free Press.  The fact that the gene is found in these particular areas of the world should come at no surprise, considering these are places where malaria is still a well documented health problem.  Because malaria is prevalent in these locations, the gene’s protection against developing this disease far outweighs the potential risk of having malaria.  But, why would people in other parts of the world, including the United States, have the gene if they are not regularly exposed to malaria?

According to the Detroit Free Press, the gene would continue to impact future generations through the DNA of their ancestors who likely came from regions where malaria was rampant.  SO, even if individuals do not currently live in a part of the world where malaria is a threat, they may still develop lupus because of the gene that their relatives passed down.  This particular gene is a receptor for an immune response.  As such, the gene rapidly reacts when a person is exposed to malaria, fighting off the disease.  At the same time, because of the immune system’s excitable response, the risk for developing an autoimmune disease also rises.  It is an exciting discovery, as it may lead to further investigation of both diseases, possibly being able to develop better treatment options.  Tackling two diseases at once could be a real feat for the medical community and all of those living with this variant gene.

According to the article, approximately one third of lupus patients suffer from some type of eye problem.  These problems, if left undiagnosed and untreated, can lead to additional, more serious health issues, such as blindness and kidney damage.  As such, it is important for an individual living with lupus to monitor his/her vision and report any changes to a health care professional.  The changes can be rapid, sometimes even irreversible.  Although these conditions vary and may be difficult to spot, the article lists some of the more common problems that lupus sufferers face.

The first is external eye disease, which is marked by a rash developing over the eyelid or the occurrence of “dry-eye.”  This particular disease may also cause inflammation and the accumulation of fluid within the eye.  Second is anterior segment disease which occurs when the cornea has been worn down by inflammation and erosion.  This may cause severe pain, and sometimes, pink eye develops.  Next is posterior segment disease, which is when the retina and choroids are damaged and may lead to a complete loss of vision.  Finally, the article mentions neuro-ophthalmic disease, in which damage to the optic nerve and other nerves in and surrounding the eye can impact the eye’s motion.

If you have eye problems associated with your Lupus and are pursuing a social security disability claim, the good news is that these eye problems may give the SSA even more of a reason to approve your claim. Lupus is already recognized as a severely disabling disease, but with added problems like the abovementioned eye problems, a lupus claim will be considered very serious and deserving of lupus disability benefits.

But if you are experiencing such eye problems, it is obviously wise of you to seek treatment. If not treated, some of these eye conditions can lead to total blindness – which will be far more disabling in the long run. When you go in for a check-up, ask your doctor about your eyes and whether you should visit an ophthalmologist for additional treatment.  Also, discuss any medications you are taking to treat lupus, as some of them have been known to lead to eye conditions.  Lupus is a difficult disease to live with on its own.  Your eyes should not add to this already problematic condition.  Get them checked often, as a regular part of your lupus therapy, and monitor any changes.  Your eyes can be a window into your health, so treat them well.

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The study was conducted by researchers from Israel, and sought to determine whether there was a link between olfactory function and the development of lupus. Many believe that a decrease in olfactory function and the onset of lupus is set in motion by autoimmune functions that affect certain areas of the brain. For this study, the researchers examined fifty patients who had lupus and fifty patients who did not have disorder. They evaluated three levels of olfactory function, including a threshold (sensing an odor on one stick versus other sticks with no odor); discrimination (telling the difference between two smells); and being able to identify a particular smell from an array of different options. They scored each of these areas for a combined overall score regarding their sense of smell. Researchers concluded that those suffering with lupus showed a significant decrease in their sense of smell when compared with the healthy control group. These differences were most noticeable in the threshold and discrimination areas.

Sense of smell is quite important from an overall quality of life perspective. It is important to be able to detect noxious fumes or to smell whether food or another substance is rotting. Furthermore, it is enjoyable to be able to smell the flowers in spring or baked goods from a bakery. The researchers note that the exact mechanism which causes lupus and olfactory dysfunction to occur simultaneously is still unknown. They acknowledge that more research will be necessary to see why this relationship exists, and how the immune system plays a role in each of the functions. For now, they are confident that a decrease in a person’s sense of smell may be a significant early indicator that they are also suffering from lupus. If you have had trouble identifying various smells and feel that your olfactory function may be compromised, discuss this with your doctor and also ask whether tests may be run to rule out lupus as well.

Researchers from the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center conducted a study that clearly linked skin damage and rashes to smoking in people who have lupus.  They found that although skin problems can arise in anyone who suffers from lupus, that the risk increases significantly when a person smokes regularly.  The researchers theorize that one of the reasons for this link is because smoking somehow interferes with the drugs used to combat lupus.  Most people must take drugs in order to combat the symptoms of lupus, and as there is no cure, they often have tried various combinations to find something that works for them.

The researchers also note that tobacco use impacts the skin, hair follicles, and blood vessels even in healthy people.  Additionally, because cigarette use releases cytokines at a higher rate, the immune system is more impacted.  These cytokines are responsible for increasing immune system activity and inflammation.  This could mean that smokers have an increased danger of developing lupus in the first place.  The researchers hope that this study increases the awareness of the need for smoking cessation, especially in lupus patients.  Many people may use smoking as a coping mechanism for lupus, as a way to calm them and make the pain less noticeable. But the effects can be so detrimental.

Smoking has always been linked with a variety of diseases and health conditions, including heart disease, lung cancer, and asthma.  With this study, it appears that smoking may cause autoimmune disease and worsen the condition in those who already suffer from it.  If you are a smoker and live with lupus, it is important to discuss smoking cessation programs with a health care professional.  It is difficult enough to live with the chronic condition without accelerating deterioration of your skin and other organs through smoking.

If you are a lupus patient with a pending disability claim, you should expect the judge hearing your claim to ask you if you smoke.   If you are not yet able to testify that you have quit, it can help to report that you are enrolled in a stop-smoking program.  Judges like to see claimants who are trying to help themselves.  If you smoke and show no interest in quitting you can expect a less than sympathetic response from your judge.

According to the journal Nature Immunology, scientists from the Medical Research Council at the University of Leicester found a significant function in the body that may explain how certain diseases can be defended against. Specifically, the researchers found a new protein, HVCN1, that apparently regulates antibody production through intracellular oxidation. The researchers indicated that when this protein is not present, the body’s immune response is severely limited. Additionally, they believe that this finding will lead to a better understanding of how this specific protein helps to build an immunity defense in the body’s overall health system.

This is important for lupus sufferers, as it is known that lupus occurs when the body’s immune system attacks itself and cannot respond well to other conditions. With the immune system malfunctioning, it is difficult to respond to pain well, and the disorder persists with very little relief. The researchers hope that finding this new protein will allow them, as well as other scientists, to test the effects of using the protein to thwart lupus. It may be possible that future advances will allow for lupus patients to be treated with a supplement of the protein, as well as options for how to increase the body’s production of it.

Aside from discovering possible new treatment options for lupus, it may be possible to investigate and actually pinpoint the cause of the disorder with the discovery of this protein. That would be the most important outcome, as it is often difficult to diagnose lupus, and doctors may believe a person is suffering from something else entirely. More studies will definitely be conducted to see just how this protein interacts with the immune system, and more specifically, how it contributes to the progression of lupus. In this additional research, they may even stumble upon more new proteins, cells, and other organisms that influence the body’s health.

The team understood that daily stress often agitated the symptoms of lupus and decreased the quality of life of many patients. The stress can manifest itself both physically and psychologically, making the disease that much more difficult to manage. Furthermore, chronic stress in lupus patients can lead to the development of other illnesses and disorders, compounding the original problem. Many times, these individuals are in too much pain to continue working and often have to file for disability benefits. Waiting on a determination of benefits or even being out of a job may add to the stress they already experience.

Recognizing that stress plays an active role in the lives of lupus patients, the Spanish research team examined forty-five lupus patients who also had high levels of daily stress. The participants were randomly assigned to a therapy group, who received cognitive behavioral therapy on a weekly basis, or a control group, who did not receive any therapy. The patients were evaluated at the beginning, three months, nine months, and fifteen months. Specifically, the team evaluated the participants’ stress and depression levels, their somatic symptoms, number of flare-ups, and anti-DNA components. The researchers found that those patients who engaged in the therapy reported a significant decrease in stress and depression when compared with those who did not receive therapy. They also reported a decrease in their somatic symptoms. Although the disease itself did not improve, the quality of life of the participants significantly improved.

Sometimes it is not enough to simply take prescription drugs or consistently visit your doctor to manage a condition such as lupus. As this study proves, sometimes people need an additional dose of therapy as well. When trying to manage lupus it is important to keep psychological disorders at bay. You may want to discuss therapy options with your doctor so that you too can live a less stressful, better quality of life.