Drug-induced lupus erythematosus overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]

Drug-induced lupus erythematosus (DIL or DILE) is an autoimmune disorder, similar to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which is induced by chronic use of certain drugs. These drugs cause an autoimmune response (the body attacks its own cells) producing symptoms similar to those of SLE. There are 38 known medications to cause DIL but there are three that report the highest number of cases: hydralazine, procainamide, and isoniazid.^[1] While the criteria for diagnosing DIL has not been thoroughly established, symptoms of DIL include fever, elevated blood pressure, skin lesions, and arthritis. Generally, the symptoms recede after discontinuing use of the drugs.^[2]

[Note the term “generally.” There are reported cases of DIL that do not go away completely after the offending drug is removed.]

While this may not be a prevailing illness in this age of heritable and non-transmittable diseases, research on drug-induced lupus could lead to a greater understanding on the immune system. This greater understanding of our immune systems could lead to breakthroughs in many other diseases such as HIV, influenza, and other communicable diseases. Research on this topic also has pharmaceutical implications as to avoid immune reactions from future drugs.

Template:WikiDoc Sources