A patient journey

Mr Chris Edwards, tells us about one of his patients and their lupus journey....

What was the past medical history of the patient?

The patient was a 35 year old female. She had suffered with a long history of fatigue, migraine, joint stiffness in the morning and occasional hair thinning. Her symptoms had been present for several years and she was getting increasingly anxious about these these concerning symptoms.

What route had the patient taken to eventually see you?

The patient saw a new GP who checked bloods and spotted a positive ANA, she was then referred to the London Lupus Centre and I saw her in my clinic.

An ANA test detects antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in your blood. In most cases, a positive ANA test indicates that your immune system has launched a misdirected attack on your own tissue, this is called an autoimmune reaction.

What tests were then conducted to reach diagnosis?

Blood test confirmed lupus with low white cell count, positive antibody tests and low level of inflammation from the ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate).

Can you give a brief overview of her treatment?

The patient was prescribed low dose hydroxychloroquine and a short course of low dose prednisolone.

What was the outcome for the patient?

The patient has reported vastly reduced fatigue, her hair thinning has stopped and improved as well as an improvement in her joint symptoms.