Lupus is also called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is a long-term autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases are conditions where your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake. This causes inflammation that can damage different parts of your body.

Lupus affects between 1.5 and 2 million people in the United States.¹ It is more common in women and in people who are Black, Hispanic or Asian American.²

We are committed to providing culturally sensitive, personalized care for all people with lupus. Here, you can trust that our entire team is working together to diagnose lupus earlier, treat it more effectively and one day find a cure.

To make an appointment, call us at 312.695.8628.

Leaders in Lupus Care

Lupus can affect many different parts of your body, including your joints, skin, kidneys, heart and lungs. That’s why our team takes a whole-person approach. We bring together experts from multiple specialties to give you complete, coordinated care from your first visit through ongoing management.

Our team will:

• Review your full medical history and symptoms to find the right diagnosis
• Make sure you see the right specialists
• Coordinate with other Northwestern Medicine specialists if your care requires it
• Connect you with innovative lupus treatments, including newer therapies with fewer side effects
• Help you find clinical trials, if you are interested
• Support you with culturally sensitive care, including clinicians who speak Spanish
• Support your transition from pediatric lupus care to adult care

We also offer specialized clinics for lupus care:

• Our lupus nephritis clinic treats symptoms related to the swelling of the kidneys caused by lupus.
• Our dermatology-rheumatology clinic can help address the skin symptoms you may experience with lupus, such as rashes.

You and your doctor can determine if you should visit the lupus nephritis or dermatology-rheumatology clinics in addition to your ongoing lupus care.

There are several types of lupus:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): The most common type. It can affect many organs and systems in the body.
• Cutaneous lupus erythematosus: A type that primarily affects the skin, causing rashes and sores.
• Lupus nephritis: A serious complication of SLE in which lupus affects the kidneys. Up to 60% of people with lupus may develop lupus nephritis.³
• Drug-induced lupus: Lupus that is triggered by certain medications. Symptoms usually go away when the medication is stopped.
• Neonatal lupus: A rare conditions in newborns caused by certain antibodies passed to them in the womb.

While testing for lupus will often start with an antinuclear antibody (ANA) test, a positive result on this test does not always mean you have lupus. Getting the right diagnosis usually takes a thorough review of your symptoms, medical history and test results. This is why seeing a lupus specialist is so important.

Learn more about the causes and diagnoses of lupus.

Your lupus treatment plan will depend on your symptoms, which organs are affected and how active your disease is. We will work with you to find the right approach and adjust your plan as your needs change.

Learn about how we approach lupus treatment based on your individual needs.

At your first visit, we will take time to understand your full medical history, symptoms and concerns. You can expect to:

• Meet with a lupus specialist
• Review your medical history and prior test results
• Complete a physical exam
• Complete necessary blood or pee tests
• Discuss next steps, including treatment options and how to manage your symptoms
• Learn whether you may be eligible for a clinical trial or research study

We offer world-class care to people who prefer to speak Spanish. Our clinic provides culturally sensitive care for patients and families who prefer to discuss their medical care in Spanish.