Please note: This is the general version of the course: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Other Lupus Types R234B. No pharmacology credits will be earned. Click here to take the pharmacology version.

Course Summary

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a complex autoimmune disease, has varied challenges involving treatment. A diagnosis of lupus can vary and depends upon etiology, clinical manifestations, complications, and available treatment modalities. There is ongoing research influencing SLE diagnosis and treatment. Diverse etiological factors, including genetic predispositions and environmental and immunological factors, can all impact SLE outcomes. Patient education can support patient coping strategies and those of their caregivers. Research endeavors to better understand lupus pathogenesis and to improve therapeutic interventions are raised.

Course Format

Homestudy

Course Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Types of Lupus and Epidemiology
    • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
    • Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
    • Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus
    • Neonatal Lupus
  • Symptoms of SLE
    • Fatigue
    • Musculoskeletal
    • Skin Rash
    • Fever
    • Hair Loss
    • Raynaud’s Phenomenon
    • Cognitive Dysfunction
    • Organ Involvement
    • Other Symptoms
  • Historical Background of Lupus
  • Etiology and Pathogenesis
    • Genetic Predisposition
    • Environmental Triggers
    • Immunological Mechanisms
    • Role of Hormones
  • Differential Diagnosis
    • Laboratory Tests
    • Imaging Studies
    • Biopsy Techniques
  • Treatment
    • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
    • Corticosteroids
    • Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
    • Biologics
    • Anifrolumab (Saphnelo)
    • Belimumab (Benlysta)
    • Rituximab (Rituxin)
    • Pharmacological Monitoring
    • Future Therapies
    • Deucravacitinib (Sotyktu)
    • Lifestyle Modifications
  • Complications and Prognosis
    • Lupus Nephritis
    • Cardiovascular
    • Neurological
    • Pregnancy-Related Issues
    • Prognostic Factors and Outcomes
  • Patient Education and Counseling
    • Self-Management in SLE Care
    • Resources for Patients and Caregivers
    • Support Groups and Advocacy Organizations
  • Research Advances and Future Directions
  • Challenges in SLE Research
  • Case Study: SLE Disease Progression
  • Summary

Author

Marilyn Lajoie, MD, DC, CCSP

Dr. Marilyn Lajoie obtained her medical degree from Saba University School of Medicine in 1999, Her residency began with one year of Anatomical and Surgical Pathology at Orlando Regional Medical Center, before transferring within the same post-graduate residency program to Internal Medicine. Upon completion of residency, she went into private practice in Orlando, where she specialized in Internal Medicine, Sports Medicine and Rehab, as well as acute and chronic pain management. Before becoming a medical doctor, she had practiced as a Chiropractic Physician, graduating from New York Chiropractic College in 1980, practicing initially on Long Island, N.Y., before moving to Florida where she had a successful chiropractic practice and physical rehabilitation center, and gained recognition as a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician. Dr. Lajoie was also the Director of Physical Therapy at Horizon Hospital, a residential and outpatient psychiatric hospital, and later, continued in the same capacity at Horizon’s sister psychiatric hospital in Brooksville, Florida. Dr. Lajoie maintained her chiropractic license and continued to practice both Internal Medicine and Chiropractic throughout private practice, until moving to the Veterans Healthcare System in 2014. Continuing in both fields, she became the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Montana VA, where she completed her service in 2021. Dr. Lajoie now works predominantly in telemedicine, and in an Expert Witness capacity for both medical and chiropractic cases. Still living in Montana, she enjoys being able to treat not only the rural areas of the state through this technology, but also patients across the US where she maintains multiple active state licenses. She and her husband also own a llama ranch with over thirty llamas that are hand selected for rare genetics. At the llama ranch, the public is invited to come and visit to learn about these elegant creatures, and to see ranch life firsthand – llama style! Dr. Lajoie and her husband have six adult children, as well as seven dogs.