Medical experts have stressed the need for greater awareness and timely intervention for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting a significant number of people in India. They noted that early diagnosis and proper treatment can effectively control the disease, whereas delayed medical attention may result in life-threatening complications.
KIMS Hospitals Organises Ramp Walk for Lupus Warriors
To mark International Lupus Day, KIMS Hospitals organised a unique ramp walk featuring lupus warriors on Monday. Around 40 patients participated in the event, confidently showcasing their resilience and determination in battling the disease. In addition, nearly 100 family members and several healthcare professionals from across the city attended the programme.
Notably, the initiative marked the fifth such ramp walk organised in Asia.
Initiative Aims to Empower Patients and Break Stigma
Dr. Veeravalli Sarath Chandra Mouli, Clinical Director of the Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology at KIMS Hospitals, Secunderabad, conceptualised the event. Through the initiative, he aimed to empower lupus patients and challenge the stigma associated with the condition.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mouli highlighted the lack of reliable data on lupus prevalence in India despite the growing number of cases.
“Out of the 100–120 patients we see daily, around 20–25 are battling lupus. The prevalence varies across regions. In Western countries, lupus affects nearly 20 to 150 individuals per one lakh population, and data collection there is more systematic,” he explained.
Women in Reproductive Age Group Most Affected
Furthermore, Dr. Mouli pointed out that nearly 90% of lupus patients are women, particularly those in the reproductive age group of 15 to 45 years.
He also expressed concern over delayed diagnosis, attributing it to limited awareness among both the public and healthcare practitioners. As a result, many patients consult a rheumatologist more than three years after the onset of symptoms.
Lupus Can Affect Multiple Organs
Doctors explained that lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. Consequently, the condition can affect multiple organs, including the skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, heart, brain, nerves, and blood.
Common symptoms include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Skin rashes, especially after sun exposure
- Hair loss
- Mouth ulcers
- Joint pain and swelling
- Abnormal blood counts
In severe cases, patients may also develop kidney complications, neurological symptoms, and recurrent miscarriages.
Shortage of Rheumatologists Remains a Major Challenge
Meanwhile, Dr. Mouli highlighted the severe shortage of rheumatologists in India. According to him, the country requires nearly 20,000 rheumatologists; however, only around 800 specialists are currently available. This shortage continues to hinder timely diagnosis and treatment, especially in rural regions.
Doctors Encourage Early Consultation
As per the press release, doctors advised individuals experiencing persistent fatigue, recurrent fever, joint pain, skin rashes, or other unexplained health issues to seek early consultation with a rheumatologist.
They further emphasised that advancements in medical treatment now allow lupus to be effectively managed, enabling patients to lead healthy and active lives.
At the same time, the event inspired patients to overcome stigma and build confidence, reinforcing the message that lupus can be successfully managed with timely treatment, medical support, and emotional encouragement.