What is Lupus?
Lupus is a chronic debilitating disorder of the immune system and is one of the major medical conditions of the modern age. It is a condition, which causes inflammation of virtually any system or organ of the body, and can be life threatening. Symptoms range through the whole medical textbook from fatigue, depression and allergies to convulsions, pleurisy, heart and kidney failure - although there is no cure with modern treatment the majority of cases can be controlled.

Lupus - The Facts

• Lupus can affect any system or organ in the body
• Lupus is often called the great mimic and can often be misdiagnosed
• Symptoms can range from fatigue, rash, joint pain, allergies, heart & kidney failure
• Affects 1 in 750 women (though some suggest the figure is far higher)
• Mainly affects women although men and even children are affected
• More prevalent than leukaemia, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis

What is the St Thomas' Lupus Trust?
The St Thomas' Lupus Trust is the charity that raises funds to support the vital and pioneering work of the Lupus Research Team here at St Thomas' Hospital in London. Lead by Dr Graham Hughes this research is world-renowned and has already made major contributions to the advances in the treatment and management of this devastating illness.

Supported by our charitable funds, we have seen the opening at St Thomas' of the first dedicated lupus outpatient facility in Europe - The Louise Coote Lupus Unit. NHS patients are referred here from all over the country and we now have the largest number of lupus patients on register in the world. Patients are relieved to have this haven - a specialist lupus clinic with lupus doctors who understand this complex illness.

One of the major aims of the St Thomas' Lupus Trust is not only to support this research but also to raise awareness. Lupus was, until recently, considered an untreatable, usually fatal disease. Research is totally changing this concept. Yes, lupus still remains one of nature's grim diseases - but the outlook for most sufferers, given correct treatment, has improved beyond recognition.

The Lupus Trust Registered Charity Number 1010523