When Dr. Niranjana Parthasarathi, M.D., was in medical school at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), she still remembers a lesson that changed her life. Her course introduced her to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), more colloquially referred to as lupus. She learned about its manifestations, misdiagnoses, and symptoms. At the time, she didn’t know how personal these insights would be.
Jackie Kruszewski of the VCU School of Medicine reports that Dr. Parthasarathi’s symptoms began when she was 23 years old. Her joints became painful and swollen. The fatigue was sometimes debilitating. All signs pointed to lupus. Doctors on campus confirmed the diagnosis.
In the years following, Dr. Parthasarathi became a clinician and Professor of Internal Medicine in Cincinnati. When she was 50 years old, however, her lupus caused complications. During a severe and significant flare, her organs became affected; Dr. Parthasarathi soon had to leave the workplace to better care for her general health (although she still practices via telemedicine when she can).
Dr. Parthasarathi is now more committed than ever to raising lupus awareness and uniting the community. In early 2023, she published “Lupus: In the Jaws of the Wolf,” which follows her history with the debilitating disease. The book includes insights like physical limitations, how lupus affects identity and relationships, daily disease management advice, emotional management strategies, and discussions about healthcare inequities. Dr. Parthasarathi’s unique perspective, as both patient and physician, could help facilitate valuable connections within the community as a whole.
Outside of spreading support and awareness, the book will also contribute to lupus research, as proceeds will be donated to organizations such as the Lupus Research Alliance and Lupus Foundation of America.
What is Lupus?
Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that can have multi-organ and multi-system impacts; this condition can affect the blood cells, heart, lungs, joints, skin, and kidneys, among other organs. It is most common in females, people between ages 15 to 45, and people of African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian descent. Treatment varies based on symptoms. Antimalarial drugs, corticosteroids, biologics, rituximab, immunosuppressants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be used. Treatment is necessary to avoid severe complications. These can include organ damage, heightened infection risk, pregnancy complications, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and stroke.
Some individuals with lupus may experience symptoms during “flares,” while others feel symptoms more constantly. Symptoms can include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Red, butterfly-shaped rash on the face
- Joint pain
- Fever
- Photosensitivity (sensitivity to light) and rashes that worsen with sun exposure
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Dry eyes
- Confusion and/or memory loss
- Headaches
- Raynaud’s phenomenon
