The London Lupus Centre

Lupus is an extremely common, potentially treatable, disease of the immune system. It affects approximately 1 in 1000 women and is more common than diseases such as multiple sclerosis and leukaemia. Despite this, there is little information concerning the disease in contrast to other illnesses of similar prevalence. Many people are unaware of the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of lupus. It is important that these topics are highlighted for many reasons. For example, a greater understanding of the symptoms of lupus will enable patients to recognise the symptoms earlier, and get treatment faster; before any serious damage is done. Similarly, awareness of preventative measures may reduce the number of cases of lupus that occur. From a different perspective, it would be of great use to have an easily accessible source of information available to lupus patients that would highlight issues such as treatment options and sources of support. In summary, although knowledge of lupus is growing, greater awareness of the disease amongst both patients and the general public is an issue that needs to be addressed.

Offers practical advice about a health condition which predominantly affects young women.

Professor Graham Hughes is often known as "e;The Father of Lupus"e; in the United Kingdom. As well as his clinical and laboratory work in lupus, he taught generations of trainee doctors both at home and abroad. He was co-founder of the national charity Lupus UK, and the editor of the international journal 'Lupus'. Most famously, he reported a new syndrome 'Hughes Syndrome' - a blood clotting disorder, now recognised as the most common, treatable cause of recurrent miscarriage.

It is time, at last, to speak the truth about Lupus, and the truth is this. No one knows currently if your autoimmune system is the reason you have Lupus. For me, if this is the truth, why aren’t we implementing blood transfusions? New blood, could that be the cure? This book is about bringing awareness from one person’s perspective, as to what is going on in her life with Lupus. “Let me help you take back your life by sharing my story. I hope this will provide you with a clear understanding of what Lupus is and how to maintain your body daily. Moreover, I want you to know what to do if you or someone you know is affected by this madly disease”.

It’s estimated that 1.5 million Americans, nearly five million people worldwide, have some form of lupus. Current data suggest it’s more common than cystic fibrosis, leukemia, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis combined. At present, the disease is unfamiliar to most and is widely misunderstood. This leads to high levels of misdiagnosis, belated diagnosis, or misdiagnosis that is potentially life-threatening. It could be a leading “sleeper” disease of modern times, with people suffering unacknowledged and untreated. In How to Stay Sane in Pain, author Karen Drennan-McEwan clarifies the key symptoms of the disease, which include chronic pain, and explains how it is currently diagnosed and treated. She offers a look at its history, medications, and their main side effects. From the author’s perspective of someone who suffers personally from lupus, as well as other patients’ testimonies, this guide describes how to achieve resilience and calm despite the disease. Drennan-McEwan offers a step-by-step mind-body approach, an approach rooted in the author’s experience of a massive lupus flare and utilizing her training as a counselor and psychotherapist.

Along with AIDS, antiphospholipid syndrome was the major medical discovery of the late 20th century, so for many it is still deemed a ‘new’ disease. The discovery of ‘sticky blood’ (commonly known as antiphospholipid syndrome or ‘Hughes Syndrome’) came out of years of observation of patients who had developed lupus. Many specialists in the 1970s were interested in the neurological aspects of lupus, and Dr Hughes, among others, spent a number of years studying the mechanisms of brain inflammation. In the mid 1970s, Hughes observed a number of young women with a form of viral paralysis, where interestingly many of them carried an antibody in their blood actually directed against ‘phospholipid’ – one of the components of brain and spinal cord. It quickly became apparent that individuals who had "anti-phospholipid antibodies" suffered from a tendency not only to develop brain and spinal cord symptoms, but also a tendency to develop both vein and artery thrombosis. As investigation continued it became apparent that these symptoms were not just confined to lupus patients, but occurred in others too, specifically those with severe migraines, with repeated strokes, with memory loss, and in women with recurrent miscarriage.

The new edition of this practical guide draws on the clinical skills of a wide range of international experts to help you recognize and manage heart disease in pregnancy. Designed for on-the-spot use, this convenient and concise text helps you identify a cardiac problem, understand its pathophysiology, and respond appropriately. Under the careful editorial direction of Drs. Oakley and Warnes, the Second Edition introduces new contributors from North America and Europe as well as new chapters on: pulmonary hypertension rheumatic heart disease artificial heart valves Marfan syndrome auto-immune diseases hypertrophic cardiomyopathy rhythm disorders hypertension cardiac intervention The entire book is scrupulously updated to reflect the most current standards of care. The contributors – all recognized leaders in their respective fields – outline the pathway to diagnosis and appropriate management by a multi-disciplinary team. Although heart disease is the leading medical cause of maternal death, clinical trials in this population are few and the evidence base is small. The expert recommendations in Heart Disease in Pregnancy, Second Edition, are a welcome source of information for cardiologists, obstetricians, general practitioners, and all members of the patient care team.