Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects approximately 225,000 individuals in the United States. The disease predominantly affects women, and is often more severe in Black, Asian, Hispanic and Native American people. Inflammation from SLE can cause damage to the organs in the body, including the skin, joints, blood cells, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. SLE is a chronic condition that may greatly impact quality of life, and can cause severe fatigue, pain and disability. SLE patients often require multiple medical specialists, including rheumatologists, nephrologists, dermatologists, cardiologists, pulmonologists and neurologists. There is currently no cure for lupus, but various immune-suppressing and immune-modulating drugs can control symptoms, minimize inflammation and prevent damage.
Through the generosity of the Wolfe Family, the UC San Diego Lupus Center was established to improve the lives of patients with SLE. Interdisciplinary clinics that focus on unique aspects of the disease including skin, kidneys, and reproductive health allow our providers to deliver comprehensive patient care. The UC San Diego Lupus Center also aims to expand access to care for all patients with an emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion, and transitional care for adolescents as they approach adulthood.
At UC San Diego, our goal is to provide state-of-the-art care for our patients and integrate cutting-age research into our practice, leading to better treatments, disease prevention, and ultimately, a cure for this disease.
Dr. Kenneth Kalunian, Dr. Chelsey Smith, and Erica Brodie at Lupus Foundation of America's Walk to End Lupus Now, Waterfront Park, San Diego
Events
Save the date - UC San Diego Lupus Center of Excellence Annual Symposium
Saturday, May 4, 2024
7:30am-3:00pm
Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute (ACTRI)
9452
Medical Center Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037
ACTRI auditorium, 1W-210
Our grand opening symposium in October 2023 was a success, and we are
looking forward to bringing the community together again in May 2024 for Lupus
Awareness Month in a special program designed for patients and families with
lupus. See website for more
information and to register https://na.eventscloud.com/website/65650/
Contact us
Map, Parking and Location
Address:
Perlman Ambulatory Care Center
9350 Campus Point Drive, Suite 2C
La Jolla, CA 92037
For more information: (858) 246-2386
Erica Brodie: ebrodie@health.ucsd.edu
Lupus Center Coordinator