Lupus is a chronic disease that can be experienced by children. Recognizing it early can prevent severity and death.
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By
AHMAD ARIF
·3 minutes read
ARSIP SYAMSI DHUHA FOUNDATION
Lupus campaign on campuses and schools.
JAKARTA, KOMPAS — Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that generally attacks adults. However, almost 20 percent of lupus occurs in children and the symptoms can be more severe than in adults, so parents need to recognize the symptoms of this disease early to reduce the risk of severity and death.
The Chairman of the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI) Central Board, Piprim B Yanuarso, stated in an online discussion on Tuesday (7/5/2024) that lupus in children is still a problem in Indonesia and the world. "Diagnosing the disease is also not easy. Early signs of this disease are often overlooked, so patients often come when it is already severe. Education for the public is needed so that early detection can reduce the risk of severity and death," he said.
According to Piprim, lupus is a chronic inflammation caused by problems in the body's immune system. Under normal conditions, the immune system should protect the body from attacks by viruses or bacteria. However, the immune system of those who suffer from lupus actually attacks their own body tissues and organs.
This autoimmune disease is indeed difficult to identify its cause, but many attribute it to lifestyle factors. "Eating and lack of exercise can trigger routine high inflammation," he said.
Member of the Allergy and Immunology Coordination Work Unit of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI), Reni Ghrahani Dewi Majangsari, said that lupus generally occurs in adults. However, about 10-20 percent of lupus cases occur in children. "The symptoms are more severe in children than in adults. There is also more involvement of organs," she said.
Lupus in children mostly occurs in girls with a ratio of nine to one. Lupus in children occurs at the age of 11-12 years old.
“Genetic and ethnic factors also have an influence. "In the Asian population, the manifestations are more severe and serious than in Caucasians," he said.
According to Reni, lupus can affect any of a child's organs. This disease can affect the nervous system, lungs, red or white blood cells, and trigger enlargement of the lymph nodes. Lupus can also cause disruptions such as rashes on the face or various parts of the body, as well as kidney disorders and joint inflammation.
“Lupus can also cause hormonal disorders, lack of thyroid hormone. "Children with lupus generally experience delays in puberty and development," he said.
Reni explained that lupus is a chronic and potentially fatal disease that cannot be cured but can be controlled. Patients can be symptom-free with minimal medication, known as remission, although it can also relapse.
"With proper treatment, patients can be rehabilitated so that they can carry out daily activities," said Reni. Lupus patients require non-pharmacological therapy such as a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, balanced and healthy nutrition, and even psychotherapy. In addition, pharmacological treatment includes anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids.
AHMAD ARIF
The cumulative incidence rate of total autoimmune diseases in the VITAL (vitamin D and omega 3) trial. Source: Jill Hahn, the BMJ (2022)
Symptoms in children
Recognizing and treating lupus early is crucial for those who suffer from it. Therefore, it is important for parents to recognize the signs of lupus in their children.
One sign of lupus in children is a fluctuating fever with a degree that is not too high to high. "It is important to be aware if a child is frequently hospitalized due to prolonged fever and appears pale. Sometimes the doctor recommends hospitalization and blood transfusions. The child is also tired without clear reasons, experiences weight loss, hair loss, and body pain in the morning," he said.
To facilitate early detection lupus disease in children, IDAI has provided a guide to saluri or check for lupus yourself. There are several questions to suspect lupus, including whether there are joint complaints, skin rashes, have had mouth ulcers for more than two weeks, have blood disorders such as anemia, leukocytopenia or thrombocytopenia, and often have fevers above 38 degrees Celsius for unknown reasons. clear.
Other symptoms that need to be watched out for are whether a child has ever experienced chest pain for several days while breathing, often feels very tired and very weak even after enough rest, has hypersensitive skin to sunlight, has protein in their urine examination, and has experienced seizures.
