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Diagnosing Lupus

Blood test for creatine phosphokinase (CPK)

Lupus and Creatine Phosphokinase

January 8, 2025

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, is a complex autoimmune disease that can affect multiple systems in the body. One of the lesser-discussed but critical aspects of lupus is its impact on creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels, which can …

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Early signs of lupus in females

Early Signs of Lupus in Females

November 2, 2023

Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, predominantly impacts women. Around 90% of lupus patients are women, while 10% are men. This post covers the early signs of lupus in females.

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Donald Thomas, MD author of The Lupus Encyclopedia for Gastrointestinal symptoms in lupus blog post

This blog on “Early Signs of Lupus in Females…

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Anti-SSA (anti-Ro) in a lupus patient

Anti-SSA Test (anti-Ro): Know Your Labs

March 21, 2021

What is the anti-SSA test?

Anti-SSA (anti-Ro) in a lupus patient

What the lab technician sees under the microscope when testing a patient for anti-SSA antibodies. These are human epithelial cells to which blood was added from a patient who has anti-SSA antibodies, proving that that
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Dr. Don Thomas, MD

I am Dr. Donald Thomas, MD, a rheumatologist treating hundreds of lupus patients for over 30 years. Read my first blog post here to understand why I started this website and blog about “The Lupus Encyclopedia” and “The Lupus Secrets”.

Dr. Don Thomas also enjoys educating and empowering doctors, medical students, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and patients.

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Do I need a 5th COVID Vaccine AND Evusheld if I have lupus? [December 2023 UPDATE]

December 2023 Update: Yearly Fall COVID shots and a replacement for Evusheld The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has
Lupus and the Nervous System

Lupus and the Nervous System

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) commonly affects the body’s nerves. Our nerves cause us to be able to feel
Donald Thomas, MD reading a book while writing The Lupus Encyclopedia and The Lupus Secrets

The Lupus Secrets [Practical Tips for Living with Lupus]

Do you have lupus, then you absolutely want to learn about follow The Lupus Secrets so that you
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Spotlight on a Good Poem by Devoted Lupus Warrior

Lupus by Lupus Warrior and Lupus Fighter Shanelle Gabrielle “​I still have a purpose … A reason to
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“Do I need a mask after vaccination?” Now here is the truth

Please continue to protect yourself as you did before if you have lupus or another systemic autoimmune disease
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Provocative Advice: Lupus Patients need COVID Vaccines [2021]

Evaluation and recommendations by noted lupus experts: Lupus patients need COVID vaccines Hot off the press from Lupus
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Lupus and Hepatitis B Vaccine: Endorsed in the CDC guidelines

Lupus and Hepatitis B Addendum: The recommendations for hepatitis B vaccines changed in 2022. The CDC recommended that
Managing Bone Health With Drugs

Managing Bone Health With Bisphosphonate Drugs

Individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at increased risk of broken bones due to osteoporosis. Managing bone
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Lupus and Thyroid Medications

Lupus and thyroid disease go hand in hand. The thyroid gland, which is situated at the front of
bacteria in urine bacteriuria can cause lupus flares

Bacteria in Urine Increases Lupus Flares

If we prevent bacteria in urine (bacteriuria), could we decrease lupus flares? Bacteria in urine was found in
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Lupus Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Lifestyle changes advice [January 2025]

Eating a diet high in foods that decrease inflammation while avoiding or minimizing foods that increase inflammation can
Root cause of lupus research

New Research May Have Identified a Root Cause of Lupus

Lupus, a complex autoimmune disease, affects over a million people in the U.S. Researchers at Northwestern Medicine and
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3 Proven Ways to Stop Lupus Chronic Kidney Disease Progression [January 2025]

Reducing the worsening of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in lupus and other autoimmune diseases is possible. I have
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New Pneumonia, Shingles, RSV, and Hepatitis Vaccine Recommendations [2024]

Centers for Disease Control 2024 Vaccine Recommendations In 2024 came out with its new vaccine recommendations. In this
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Research Results in Dealing with Autoimmune Disease Fatigue Now

The causes of fatigue and dealing with autoimmune disease fatigue. ​ Tips on how to improve energy with
Hydroxychloroquine and Plaquenil Top Tips

Top Tips on Taking Hydroxychloroquine for Lupus [Ultimate Guide February 2025]

Taking hydroxychloroquine for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is considered the most important drug for lupus. It is the
Melatonin being produced by the pineal gland in lupus

Melatonin For Lupus May be Good Per the Best Medical Evidence [NEW!]

Melatonin For Lupus: What does the Research Show?         (Updated August 2021) Why do people
X-ray of lupus joint and muscle pain

Lupus Joint and Muscle Pain

Close to 90% of people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) will have joint and muscle pain. Understanding lupus
Two arm wrestlers representing Saphnelo vs Benlysta

Saphnelo vs Benlysta? What is the Best Medicine for Lupus? [January 2025]

Update March 2024 Saphnelo is the only FDA-approved drug for SLE to have a randomized, placebo-controlled long-term extension
Woman who has a malar rash (butterfly rash) due to lupus with lupus disease activity

How Severe is Your Lupus? Use a Lupus Severity Index

Read on to learn how you to figure out your lupus disease activity with a Lupus Severity Index
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Hydroxychloroquine Decreases the Risk of Death

Research article shows that taking hydroxychloroquine decreases the risk of death by 83%: Impact of Antimalarial Adherence on
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Lupus and “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”

What do the following have in common? Lupus A drawing by a 3-year-old Julian Lennon Flowers and gardening
New lupus test for lupus flares announced by The Lupus Foundation

The aiSLE DX Flare Risk Index Test: A new lupus lab test

The aiSLE DX Flare Risk Index test The Lupus Foundation of America, in its continuous quest to advocate
COVID-19 vaccine for lupus patients answer by Dr. Don Thomas

Lupus and COVID vaccine: Tested in the clinical trials = safe and effective!

Lupus and COVID vaccine: Dr. Thomas recommends not waiting to his patients, read below… Research regarding the COVID
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Lupus and The Exocrine Gland System: Sjögren’s Disease

Lupus patients can have dry mouth, eyes, and skin. These symptoms can lead to discomfort, infections, vision problems,
Arm wrestling to see which is better for lupus nephritis: Lupkynis or Benlysta

Lupkynis vs Benlysta for Lupus Nephritis: Dr. Thomas Has His Verdict!

Which is better for lupus nephritis? ​Here is my answer! Which is better for lupus nephritis? Benlysta or
Sleep hygiene recommendations for lupus patients

Lupus and Sleep: Strategies to Sleep Better!

Lupus and Sleep Problems are Common: Strategies to improve your sleep (October 2024 Update) Tips on better sleep
COVID-19 vaccine for lupus patients

Moderna and Pfizer Vaccines: How Effective is One COVID shot?

CDC Study answers this question Please get your COVID-19 vaccine! We all would like life to go back
Low vitamin D levels can make lupus worse

Lupus and Vitamin D Advice: Can be lowest in women of color

Lupus and vitamin D in Women of Color. Why and what to do- “Ask Dr. T!” question of
Proteinuria in lupus nephritis. This is what a kidney looks like

Proteinuria in Lupus Nephritis: Video tips and the bottom line [FEB 2023 UPDATE]

When excessive protein leaks from the kidneys and into the urine, it is called proteinuria. Proteinuria in lupus
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Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine: Now see me excited to get it

What was it like getting the COVID-19 vaccine? … and some advice for lupus patients   A rheumatology
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Lupus and High White Blood Cells in Urine

Elevated white blood cell (WBC) counts can arise in lupus patients for various reasons. This article will delve
Botox or filler injections for lupus picture of a woman getting a lip injection

Is it Safe to Receive Botox or Filler Injections For Lupus Patients?

A lupus patient at Kelli Roseta’s “More Than Lupus” asks the question ” … is it safe to
Lupus Mottled Skin

Lupus Mottled Skin and the Symptoms (February 2025 Update)

One skin issue associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is “mottled skin,” with livedo reticularis being one of
sick girl for blog about children with kidney inflammation blog post

Benlysta for pediatric lupus nephritis: FDA-approved

  Benlysta for children with lupus kidney inflammation (lupus nephritis): FDA-approved on July 26, 2022 This is a
Lupus patient in ICU hospital with COVID-19

COVID-19 deaths in rheumatic diseases

Research Shows More COVID-19 Deaths in Rheumatic Diseases: 10.5% of lupus and rheumatic disease patients died Much higher
Immunosuppressants and COVID vaccine ACR guidelines and recommendations

Immunosuppressants and COVID Vaccine: Fundamentals in the new guidelines

Immunosuppressants and COVID vaccine: which you should stop and not stop American College of Rheumatology Clinical Guidance Summary UPDATED
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COVID Vaccine and Lupus: Join in a Research Study Now

How the COVID Vaccine and Lupus Interact is Important to Figure Out: Consider Joining this NIH Research Study
Pregnant black woman's stomach with a fetus ultrasound at image for having a successful pregnancy with lupus

How to Have a Successful Pregnancy with Lupus [January 2025 Update)

A successful pregnancy is possible in most women who have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with proper preparation and
Lupus related hair loss

Hair and Skin Problems in Lupus

Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, affects multiple organs, including the skin. This article explores the relationship between lupus,
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Improve Your Life: A Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Flare Test

Revolutionary New Lab Test: Predicts if a lupus patient will have a systemic lupus erythematosus flare! A systemic
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Benlysta Reviews: Learn the amazing truth on how it works

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itchy skin like happens with lupus rashes

Itchy Skin Can Be a Sign of Active Lupus

Updated JUN 2023 Itchy skin can occur with active lupus rashes (cutaneous lupus). However, other causes are much
Lupus patient getting intravenous immunoglobulin

Intravenous Immunoglobulin: IVIG for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

A drug made from up to 100,000 healthy volunteers! Intravenous (IV) means getting a medicine delivered into your
Survey about being diagnosed with lupus and The Lupus Foundation of America

Participate in this lupus survey if you live in the USA [Survey is closed]

The Lupus Foundation of America wants to learn more about the difficulties in being diagnosed with lupus Click
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Diabetes Drug Pioglitazone Helpful for Lupus [Suggests NIH study]

Lupus Research Article Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ agonist pioglitazone improves vascular and metabolic dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus This
Urticaria hives allergic reaction in systemic lupus erythematosus SLE

Allergies and Itching after COVID vaccine? Announcing Research Here

Results from 64,900 vaccines: How often are allergies and itching after COVID vaccine? We’ll take a look at
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Can You Have Lupus With a Negative ANA Test? “Yes you can!” (October 2024 Update)

Protect yourself from medical mistakes. A study by a large group of international lupus experts (Systemic Lupus International
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6 Supplements For Lupus That Worsen Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system is overactive. This post discusses a 2024 research study
methotrexate for lupus bottle of methotrexate on label

Methotrexate for lupus: help it work better and prevent side effects [January 2025]

Methotrexate is one of the safest and most effective drugs for lupus. Since the 1980s, it has been