THE Lupus Foundation of Jamaica will today stage its annual symposium under the theme “A Wholistic Approach To Lupus Management” at the Faculty of Medical Sciences Research and Education, UWI, Mona, starting at 12 noon.

A release from the foundation said last week that CHIKV and lupus as well as the role of nutrition in managing lupus and current approaches to lupus treatment are among the topics to be discussed.

The presenters include Dr Stacy Davis, consultant rheumatologist; Dr Joy Callendar, clinical nutritionist; Dr Keisha Maloney, consultant rheumatologist; and Dr Karel DeCeulaer, also a consultant rheumatologist.

Systemic lupus erythematosus, or simply lupus, is a chronic disorder of the immune system that results in abnormal inflammation of tissues almost anywhere in the body, including skin, joints, kidneys, blood, lungs, heart, and brain.

“It is extremely variable in severity and manifestations; some persons are only mildly inconvenienced, while others feel very ill or suffer life-threatening or disabling complications,” the release read. “Lupus most commonly affects young women at the prime of their lives, however, all ages, including children, and men, can be affected as well.”

According to the foundation’s release, there is currently no cure for lupus but treatments exist that can help improve the quality of life of individuals.

“Jamaica has one of the highest rates of lupus in the world,” the release said. “Unfortunately, many persons are not aware of the disease and its symptoms and do not access the necessary treatment on time.

“Others struggle to cope with this condition which may be poorly understood by family members, co-workers and the community,” it continued.

The symposium is open to medical practitioners, people living with lupus as well as members of the public who are interested in learning about the disease.