Lupus Alliance of America

lossary of Terms

There are going to be words, terms and ideas presented in this site and other sources of lupus information that may not make sense. This is our lupus dictionary to help everyone touched by the disease to understand the new language of lupus.

Below you will find a large number of terms that are generally associated with the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of lupus, along with their definitions.

Albumin	Albumin is a protein that circulates in the blood. By testing levels of albumin, we can determine if certain organs are functioning properly.
Analgesic	An analgesic is a drug that relieves pain.
Anemia	When your body doesn't have the normal amount of red blood cells, you have anemia. It can be caused by very many things, including lupus.
Ankylosing Spondylitis	AS is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder of the axial skeleton--affecting the sacroiliac and the spine. It is 3 times more common in men than in women.
Antibodies	Antibodies are specific proteins made by your body's white blood cells. They defend the body against foreign enemies. In certain diseases, they attack the body itself.
Anticentromere Antibody	Anticentromere antibodies are antibodies to a particular part of a cell's nucleus. Anticentromere antibodies are associated with a form of scleroderma called CREST.
Anticardiolipin Antibody	These antibodies, also known as antiphospholipid antibodies, target certain parts of a cell's membrane. They are detected through special blood tests in about a third of SLE patients. When found in the presence of certain other factors, these antibodies affect blood clotting, leading to: miscarriages, strokes and low platelet counts.
Anti-DNA (also Anti-dsDNA)	Anti-DNA antibodies are antibodies to DNA. Somewhere between one-half and 75 percent of the patients with SLE have or will have this antibody. It usually indicates more serious activity of the disease. Although there is no "one test" that confirms lupus, when this antibody is found, most healthcare professionals consider "lupus" as the diagnosis.
Antigen	An Antigen is the substance that triggers the formation of antibodies. In a Hayfever sufferer, it may be pollen. In a lupus patient, it may be his or her own body.
Anti-inflammatory	An anti-inflammatory is something that fights inflammation, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Anti-Jo-1	One of the nuclear antigens for which antibodies (ANAs) are detected in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases. Antibodies to the Jo-1 antigen (also known as histidyl-tRNA synthetase), are commonly found in a subgroup of connective tissue disease patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis.
Antimalarials	Antimalarials are drugs, such as chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine, that were originally developed to treat malaria. It was found that they also have benefits in the treatment of lupus.
Anti-neutrophil cylasmic Antibodies (ANCA)	Anti-neutrophil antibodies (ANCA) are autoantibodies with specificities for proteins found in the primary and secondary granules of neutrophils and in the peroxidase-positive lysosomes of peripheral blood monocytes. They were originally detected by indirect immunofluorescence on ethanol-fixed neutrophils, producing a characteristic-staining pattern within the cylasm. Two major patterns of immunofluorescent staining have been observed: a classical or cylasmic staining, designated cANCA and a perinuclear pattern, designated pANCA.
Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA)	Antinuclear antibodies are antibodies that react to the nucleus of the cell. 96 percent of SLE patients have this antibody; however, it can be found in a small percentage of healthy people too.
Antiphospholipid Antibody	See Anticardiolipin antibody
Anti-RNP	This is an antibody to ribonucleoprotein. It is most often found in patients with SLE and patients with mixed connective tissue disease.
Anti-Scl-70	One of the nuclear antigens for which antibodies (ANAs) are detected in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases. Antibodies to the Scl-70 antigen (also known as oisomerase I, a non-histone nuclear antigen), are found exclusively in patients with systemic sclerosis.
Anti-Sm	This antibody is specific for lupus, which means it is never found in someone that doesn't have lupus. The "Sm" stands for Smith--the first patient it was found in.
Anti-SSA (or Anti-Ro)	This antibody is associated with Sjogren's syndrome. Lupus patients that have this antibody usually have problems with sun-sensitivity, neonatal lupus and congenital heart block.
Anti-SSB (or Anti-La)	This antibody is related to and almost always seen with anti-ro.
Arthralgia	Arthralgia is joint pain. Not to be confused with Arthritis--inflammation of the joints. (arthr - joint, algia - pain)
Arthritis	Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. Symptoms: pain, swelling, redness, heat. (arthr - joint, itis - inflammation)
Autoantibody	An autoantibody is an antibody against the body.
Autoimmunity	Autoimmunity is an allergy against the body.
B Cell	A B cell is a white blood cell that makes antibodies.
Bursa	The bursa is a fluid filled sac that is located in and around the joints. It is the lubicant that allows joints to move freely.
Butterfly rash	The butterfly rash has become synonymous with lupus, although only a small percentage of those with lupus have it. It is a rash on the cheeks and over the nose.
Cartilage	Cartilage is the material that covers the bones. It is also one of the materials that the ears, the nose and the trachea are made of.
CBC	CBC or complete blood count, is the test that indicates the amount of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets that are in the body.
CNS	CNS stands for central nervous system.
Collagen	Collagen is a protein found in cartilage, bone and skin.
Collagen Vascular Disease	Collagen vascular disease, also known as connective tissue disease, is a disease that is caused by antibodies reacting against connective tissue. The usual targets are: skin, joints, muscle, and blood vessels.
Connective Tissue	Connective tissue is the glue that holds the body together. It can be found throughout the body.
Complement	Complement is a group of proteins found in the body. They are activated when the body is fighting perceived invaders. With certain blood tests, you can tell how much is being used in the "fight," which can indicate the severity of the illness.
Corticosteroid	Corticosteroid is the hormone made by the adrenal glands. It is also a man-made drug, used to reduce inflammation in the body. Man-made corticosteroids come under many forms and names (prednisone is just one of many).
Cortisone	Cortisone is a synthetic, or man-made, corticosteroid.
Creatinine	Creatinine is a component of urine that is measured in certain tests to determine how well the kidneys are functioning.
Creatinine Clearance	Creatinine clearance is a 24-hour urine collection test that determines the functioning of the kidneys.
CREST (or CREST Syndrome)	CREST is a form of scleroderma that stands for: C -- calcium deposits under the skin; R -- raynaud's phenomenon; E -- esophageal dysfunction; S -- sclerodactyly (tight skin); and T -- telangiectasia (a rash of tiny red blood vessels).
Cutaneous	Cutaneous is something relating to the skin.
Dermatomyositis	Dermatomyositis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation (-itis) in the skin (dermato) and muscles (myo).
Discoid Lupus	Discoid lupus, also known as cutaneous lupus, is a condition that results in a thick, plaque-like rash on the body. About twenty percent of those with SLE have discoid lupus.
DNA	DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. It is a component of the body's chromosomes, and one of the basic building blocks of the organism.
EIA or ELISA	Enzyme Immunoassay, or Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. A rapid and specific enzyme immunochemical assay method in which either an antibody or an antigen can be coupled to an enzyme. The resulting complex retains both immunological and enzymatic activity. The method can detect certain bacterial antigens and antibodies, as well as hormones. The sensitivity of the assay is enhanced by the addition of an antibody to an enzyme, such as alkaline phosphatase, and an intense reaction is produced.
Erythema	Erythema means red, or a reddish color.
Estrogen	Estrogen is a female hormone produced by the ovaries.
Fibrositis (Fibromyalgia)	Fibrositis is a condition that is characterized by muscular pain, weakness, fatigue, and tender points on the body. It is thought that this condition is related to certain sleep disorders.
Flare	A flare (also known as an exacerbation) is when symptoms of the disease reappear or increase. It is usually a sign of increased disease activity.
FANA	FANA is the same as ANA.
Glomerulonephritis	Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the glomerulus of the kidneys. It is seen in a large percentage of SLE patients.
Hashimoto's Disease (Thyroiditis)	A form of autoimmune thyroiditis that infects women eight times more often than men. Clinically there is an enlarged thyroid and hypothyroidism. The treatment is life-long replacement therapy with thyroid hormone.
Hematocrit	Hematocrit is the measurement of the red blood cells in the blood. A low level means anemia.
Hemoglogin	Hemoglobin is the oxygen carrying protein of the blood.
Hemolytic Anemia	Hemolytic anemia is anemia caused by the destruction of the red blood cells by the body's own antibodies. also known as autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
Hepatitis	Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver.
Histones	These are the proteins associated with nucleic acids in the nuclei of plant and animal tissues.
Histocompatibility Antigen (HLA)	Molecules inside the macrophage that binds to an antigenic peptide. Controlled by genes on the 6th chromosome. They can amplify or perpetuate certain immune and inflammatory responses.
Immune Complex	An immune complex is created when the antibody and the antigen are bound together.
Immunofluorescence	Immunofluorescence is a means of detecting the immune process by using a fluorescent stain.
Immunosuppressive	An immunosuppressive is a medication such as cytoxan or imuran, that suppresses the immune system.
Inflammation	Inflammation is the body's defense against perceived invaders. Characterized by redness, heat and swelling. It is caused when white blood cells invade and surround the offending invader.
LE Cell	An LE cell is a cell found in the blood specimens of most lupus patients.
Lupus Anticoagulant	Lupus anticoagulant is a means of detecting antiphospholipid antibodies from prolonged clotting times.
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease ( MCTD)	Mixed connective tissue disease is a disease in which the person has the Anti-RNP antibody and has symptoms of more than one autoimmune disease.
Nephritis	Nephritis is inflammation of the kidneys.
NSAID	NSAID stands for Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These are drugs that fight inflammation such as: aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen.
Pericardial Effusion	A pericardial effusion is fluid between the layers of the pericardium (the pericardium is a 2-layered sac around the heart).
Pericarditis	Pericarditis is inflammation of the 2-layered sac around the heart.
Pericardium	The pericardium is the 2-layered sac around the heart.
Peritoneum	The peritoneum is the 2-layered sac around the abdominal cavity.
Peritonitis	Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum.
Photosensitivity	Photosensitivity is being sensitive to ultrviolet light.
Platelet	Platelets are the component of the blood responsible for clotting.
Plasmapheresis	Plasmapheresis is the process of filtering the blood through a machine. The filtration takes out proteins that may aggravate lupus.
Pleura	The pleura is the 2-layered sac that surrounds the lungs.
Pleural Effusion	A pleural effusion is when fluid collects between the layers of the pleura, usually as a response to inflammation.
Pleuritis (Pleurisy)	Pleuritis is inflammation of the pleura.
Polyarteritis	Polyarteritis is a disease closely related to lupus. It is characterized by the inflammation of small and medium-sized blood vessels.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica	Polymyalgia rheumatica is an autoimmune disease, primarily targeting the muscles and joints. It is seen mostly in older adults and is characterized by high sedimentation rates and severe aching of the muscles and joints.
Polymyositis	Polymyositis is an autoimmune disease of the muscles, closely related to dermatomyositis.
Prednisone	Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid.
Proteinuria	Proteinuria, also known as albuminuria, is when protein is found in the urine.
Psoriatic Arthritis	An arthropathy associated with psoriasis that combines features of both RA and sero-negative arthropathies.
Pulse Steroids (Pulse Therapy)	Pulse steroids, or pulse therapy, is when very high doses of steroids are given intravenously to a seriously ill patient--usually over a very short term.
Raynaud's (disease or phenomenon)	Raynaud's phenomenon is a set of specific symptoms that is seen in several auto-immune diseases. Raynaud's disease is the same set of symptoms by themselves--no other disease is associated. In Raynaud's, the extremities can turn white, blue and red, in response to temperature or stress.
RBC	RBC stands for red blood cells.
Reiter's Syndrome	This is a reactive arthritis that is classed as a sero-negative spondyloarthropathy. This condition most often affects young men and is usually associated with STDs.
Remission	Remission is when there is a symptom-free period of time in the patient. This isn't a cure.
Rheumatic Disease	A rheumatic disease is any one of the 150 disorders that affect the immune or musculoskeletal systems. Only about 30 of these are autoimmune in nature.
Rheumatoid Arthritis	Rheumatoid arthritis is a rheumatic disease affecting mainly the joints. It can be very similar to SLE, giving positive ANA tests.
Rheumatoid Factor	Rheumatoid factor is autoantibodies that are found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It's also seen in about 25 percent of patients with SLE.
Scleroderma	Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, tightening of the skin, and vascular problems such as Raynaud's.
Sedimentation Rate (Sed Rate)	Sed Rate is a test that measures the amount of sediment that settles out of a small tube of blood over a given time. The higher the Sed Rate, the more inflammation in the body.
Serositis	Serositis is inflammation of one of the sacs around the heart, lungs or abdomen.
Sjogren's syndrome	Sjogren's syndrome is a disease or syndrome characterized by dryness: primarily dry eyes and dry mouth. It is often associated with another autoimmune disease, such as lupus. It can occur by itself.
Steroids	As is relates to lupus, steroids usually is short for corticosteroids. They are not to be confused with anabolic steroids--which athletes sometime take to build muscle.
STS	STS is a false-positive serologic test for syphillis. This occurs commonly in people with lupus.
Synovial Fluid	Synovial fluid is the fluid that surrounds the joints.
Synovitis	Synovitis is inflammation of the linings of the joints.
Systemic	Systemic refers to something that affects the whole body.
Tendonitis	Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons (structures that attach muscles to bones).
Temporal Arteritis	Temporal Arteritis is inflammation of the temporal artery . It is characterized by very high sed rates, systemic symptoms, and sometimes loss of vision.
Thrombocyenia	Thrombocyenia is a low platelet count.
Titer	A Titer is the amount of a substance found in certain tests.
Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (UCTD)	Not a true disease, in and of itself, but rather, a syndrome composed of signs and symptoms from more than one connective tissue disease. The main disease components come from: Rheumatoid Arthritis, SLE, Polymyositis, Scleroderma, Dermatomyositis and Sjogren's Syndrome. This is a diagnostic nightmare, because although some cases eventually develop into specific diseases, others never do.
Vasculitis	Vasculitis is the inflammation of blood vessels.
WBC	WBC stands for White Blood Count.

Lupus Alliance of America
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