What is lupus?
Also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus reprograms immune cells so they attack the body itself, resulting in chronic inflammation. It can affect the kidneys, joints, skin, brain, and the lining of the heart and lungs. Lupus can be mild or life-threatening.
Risk factors for developing lupus
The triggers for lupus are poorly understood. Some factors that are associated with developing lupus are:
- Being female: 90 per cent of Pacific Islanders with lupus are women.
- Early adulthood: most cases of lupus are detected in people aged between 15 and 40.
- Genetic susceptibility:lupus is more prevalent in some families and some racial groups. Lupus is more prevalent and more severe in.
- Sunlight exposure can be a trigger in susceptible people.
ABOUT US
The Lupus Foundation of Fiji (LFF) is a ‘not-for-profit’ charitable organisation that was established here in Fiji, to address any issue relating to this Auto-Immune Disease, which has been around the world in most developed countries, since the 13th century!
The Lupus Foundation of Fiji (LFF) was established by a group of ‘like-minded’ people, who have been affected directly and/or indirectly by this disease.
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Useful resources
For more information, we recommend visiting the National Resource Center on Lupus