can hepatitis C lead to Lupus?
408838
The quick answer is "No", hepatitis C is a viral infection, transmitted by blood and bodily fluids (similar to how HIV is transmitted).\n\nLupus is an "autoimmune" disease, where the body makes antibodies against itself.  Noone knows what triggers the body to make the mistake initially, but once it starts it is generally a lifelong condition and can affect many organ systems.\n\nInterestingly (and here is the long answer), one mechanism by which the mistake is thought to be made is after an infection (especially viral infections), when the body's immune system is all geared up and then starts to attack itself.  Maybe their are some proteins on the virus that look similar to ones that we make naturally, and so the body is fooled into fighting them. Hepatitic C, being a viral infection, could *in theory* set off a cascade like this, though the likelihood of any given Hepatitis C infection leading to lupus would be *extremely* rare.
1095921
There are so very many autoimmune disorders and rare autoimmune disorders but the one I keep coming back to is SLE.  As you have already said this has been ruled out, my only suggestion is that you get a referral to a specialist in autoimmune diseases.  I am wondering what it was that made your doctors rule out Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.  Do you happen to know?
5126
Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE) is an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues as though they were foreign substances. Lupus is not contagious.\nThere are many possible causes for lupus, including genetic defect, chemical exposure (anything from contaminated well water to (suspectedly) hair dye), and even as a result of some medications.  Symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, skin problems, sensitivity to light, fever, nervous system problems, and many more.  For more information go to webmd.com and just type in lupus in the search field.
1157207
yes, you were infected at some point with the hep C virus. It is possible for hep C to resolve on it's own occasionally. This is very rare compared to hep B which often resolves without becoming chronic.  I know one guy whose hep c resolved without treatment and has antibodies but no infection. In this case you would be viral negative but test positive for the antibodies. If I was in your shoes I would get retested every 6 months for the next couple of years unless a very smart hepatologist or gastroenterologist could explain to me why the testing wasn't necessary.  \n\nhttp://www.webmd.com/hw/hepatitus_c/tw9921.asp
1041954
Hello..Ignore the unserious answer of your question.The problem with Hepatitis C is reallly deserving attention. Actually,if it's chronical( as I got) you will have the hepatitis virus whole your life.You must net be ashemed of it,because it's not transmitted only sexually(only 5-10%),but through the blood,it's not supposed that you was a junkey,etc.The treatment is not a cure and have many side effects,it's provided only in specialized clinics and is based in the INTERFERONE injections.The best way to keep your liver functions well is to eat not just healthy ,but applying the special diet for liver problems,no alcohol,no coffee,no black tea..Wish you luck!
7289
no.  We are not even sure you can get HCV from sexual contact.  see the center for diseases web site (CDC website) which recommends no special precautions for monogomous couples with HCV.
488324
SLE  Systemic Lupus Erythmatoues.  You should be more specific for those who dont know the abbreviation.  I have that.  I will tell you one thing I didnt not seek treatment.  When I have flare ups I take a steroid for ten days and Ultracet for pain.  Ultracet has zero narcotics  but works better than vicodin and darvocet...  I refused the immunesuppressor.  I work in the health field and didnt want to get every virus out there.  I excerise regularly and I drink lots of water.  I think it is all in how you think.  Be positive.  Dont get me wrong when I am having a flare up I feel like an 80 yr old woman.  Good luck with your treatment....
59965
it depends on your age. sounds like arthritis, lupus, mono, it just depends. i would have to ask you further questions to determine.
1147756
Hepatitis is a fancy way of saying inflammation of the liver.  There are many different reasons that can cause hepatitis.  Virus, massive blood infections, medications, alcohol, auto-immune disorders are some general causes of hepatitis. \n\nHepatitis C virus and alcohol both can cause inflammation of the liver.  Hepatitis C can be easily tested by blood work and if you have abnormal liver function test and Hepatitis C, it could be causing the hepatitis.  If you test negative for Hepatitis C and you drink alot of alcohol, then the alcohol may be causing it.  Now if you drink heavily/frequently and also have Hepatitis C it may be hard to figure which one is doing more damage.  In the last case senerio,  the important thing to rememeber is that both the alcohol and hepatitis C could be causing liver inflammation and ultimately you could develop liver cirrhosis (liver is so damaged and scarred from chronic inflammation) faster than if you have only had one causative factor.\n\nUnlike what people above said, alcohol does cause hepatitis and it is common.  Chronic hepatitis can ultimately lead to liver cirrhosis.
118914
Autoimmune disorder.\n\nCauses of this can be from systemic diseases like Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, or from certain cancers, or from allergens.\n\nThey are often treated with antiinflammatory medications and immune mediators.
13754
Seal had a form of Lupus as a child  here is a link  \n http://www.uklupus.co.uk/news122.html
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I have Lupus and APS.  WIth treatment and taking care of yourself you can live a fairly normal life.\n\nDespite the symptoms of lupus and the potential side-effects of treatment, people with lupus can maintain a high quality of life overall. One key to managing lupus is to understand the disease and its impact. Learning to recognize the warning signs of a flare can help the patient take steps to ward it off or reduce its intensity. Many people with lupus experience increased fatigue, pain, a rash, fever, abdominal discomfort, headache, or dizziness just before a flare. Developing strategies to prevent flares can also be helpful, such as learning to recognize your warning signals and maintaining good communication with your doctor.\n\nIt is also important for people with lupus to receive regular health care, instead of seeking help only when symptoms worsen. Results from a medical exam and laboratory work on a regular basis allows the doctor to note any changes and to identify and treat flares early. The treatment plan, which is tailored to the individual's specific needs and circumstances, can be adjusted accordingly. If new symptoms are identified early, treatments may be more effective. Other concerns also can be addressed at regular checkups. The doctor can provide guidance about such issues as the use of sunscreens, stress reduction, and the importance of structured exercise and rest, as well as birth control and family planning. Because people with lupus can be more susceptible to infections, the doctor may recommend yearly influenza vaccinations or pneumococcal vaccinations for some patients.
563620
Yeah, my friend from HS had Lupus as did my suitemate in college.  Check out the following sites for more info.  Be strong!  =)
808164
If you're looking up the symptoms then you should know that there are 4 totally different forms of Lupus, the minor which can be treated with drugs to the most severe that can be fatal. You need to have proper blood tests done to determine first if you have Lupus and second what form of it you have. See a doctor.
499096
You have C hepatitis with a major risc of being contagious
668664
Previous studies have tried to determine diagnostic laboratory markers to define or detect active NPSLE, but these have yielded conflicting data, and have generally failed to establish clearly defined pathogenic factors.27–29 Elevated antibody titres to dsDNA have been proposed as helpful in identifying NPSLE patients,28 but CNS involvement can occur in the presence of normal values of anti-dsDNA antibodies.27,29 Controversy also exists regarding the association of anti-Sm antibody with NPSLE manifestations.28,29 Increased antibody titres to dsDNA, as well as anti-Sm antibody, were not correlated with NP manifestations in our study. On the contrary, low serum levels of C3, and particularly of C4 complement components, were seemingly strongly associated with NPSLE. This association probably implies an underlying relation to common pathogenic mechanisms, such as local deposition of immune complexes in blood vessel walls with subsequent complement activation, resulting in vasculitis. Vasculitis of the brain vessels has been documented in 7–15% of NPSLE autopsy cases.21–23
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well there is always a chance for anyone to die younger than they want not just because of a disease. but if you do what you are suppose to be doing for it chances are that you will live a long life. I know someone with lupis and i know how hard it is to have it, the doc told her she shouldnt have kids, well she did and the baby was severely premature but survived, and it made her really sick she ended up losing some toes, and they had to put her in a coma to get her better, her son was 2 by the time she came out of it. so to me i would follow all the docs rules.\nFor those who dont exactly know what lupis is heres a medical definition:\n Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys. The body's immune system normally makes proteins called antibodies to protect the body against viruses, bacteria, and other foreign materials. These foreign materials are called antigens. In an autoimmune disorder such as lupus, the immune system loses its ability to tell the difference between foreign substances (antigens) and its own cells and tissues. The immune system then makes antibodies directed against "self." These antibodies, called "auto-antibodies," react with the "self" antigens to form immune complexes. The immune complexes build up in the tissues and can cause inflammation, injury to tissues, and pain. \n\n  For most people, lupus is a mild disease affecting only a few organs. For others, it may cause serious and even life-threatening problems. More than 16,000 Americans develop lupus each year. It is estimated that 500,000 to 1.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with lupus.