Is Lupus Caused By Surgery?
Theory on the Causes Lupus
The exact cause of lupus remains unknown, although researchers believe there is a genetic component to the disease. While your genes may predispose you to the condition, there are certain factors that can trigger its onset, including exposure to the sun, drugs, infection or other illness, hormonal changes, diet, exhaustion or emotional or physical stress.
Stress as a Cause
Emotional stress can significantly affect the neuroendocrine system that is responsible for maintaining your hormonal balance by keeping the autoimmunity under control. Physical stress is often caused by a chronic or severe illness, infection, injury or by necessary surgical procedures. In either case, extreme stress can trigger the onset of lupus in those predisposed to the condition or cause a flare-up in those that already have it.
While surgery can certainly trigger the onset of the disease or a flare-up, researchers have been unable to determine whether surgery alone can be responsible for causing lupus in patients who otherwise showed no signs of the disease.
Lupus Flare and Surgery
A lupus flare is defined as the worsening of the symptoms of this autoimmune disease due to increased disease activity. There are several triggers that may initiate a lupus flare, including surgery. Other triggers include infection, injuries, pregnancy, certain prescription drugs and specific over-the-counter drugs.
Can lupus patients safely undergo surgery? There is an associated risk of lupus flare during or after a surgery. Moreover, because lupus is a disease of the blood vessels, the healing process after the surgery can be very unpredictable. The skin can die, a phenomenon called skin necrosis, in a worst-case scenario. Medications for lupus like steroids and immunosuppressive drugs can also inhibit the healing process, making the situation more complicated.
Dr. Anil Shah recommends patients to have an open communication with their surgeons so that they can assess the risks and work together for the best results. In addition, the situation may also require coordination between the surgeon and the specialist involved with lupus to optimize the patient for the surgical procedure. This should also apply for dental procedures and delivery of a child.
The Bottom Line
According to medical researchers, there is no significant evidence to generalize that lupus is caused by surgery. On the other hand, surgery, in very few cases, may trigger flares due to stress.
To prevent flares and keep lupus under control, it is recommended to work cooperatively with your doctor. Nevertheless, it should be noted that one may still experience a lupus flare even with efforts to follow the treatment plan religiously. With the occurrence of a flare, the overall treatment plan should be reevaluated for appropriate changes.
References
https://www.everydayhealth.com/lupus/surgery-for-lupus-patients.aspx
https://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/arthritis-info/lupus/
https://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Lupus/Lupus_Guide/chppis4.asp
https://www.realself.com/question/autoimmune-disorders-facelifts
https://www.wellsphere.com/skin-health-article/can-patients-with-lupus-have-plastic-surgery/1270247
