Welcome
Since 1979 Lupus Association of NSW has been the leading peak body which offers advice, information, support and networking for patients across NSW and now also parts of Australia.
Our priorities
1. To facilitate support and provide counselling and factual up to date information for our members.
2. To promote understanding of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and related Connective Tissue Diseases (CTD) amongst ourselves, our families, medical and allied health professionals and the community.
3. To operate as a resource base for information and literature regarding Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and related Connective Tissue Diseases.
4. To liaise with similar organisations both interstate and overseas.
5. To promote financial support for research, training and health care services for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and related Connective Tissue Diseases.
6. To consult with Government bodies for appropriate funding for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and related Connective Tissue Diseases.
Latest News and Research
Global Survey on Lupus and the Body, Including Kidney Impact
The World Lupus Federation (WLF) and lupus organizations worldwide are conducting the 2025 Global Lupus Patient Survey: Lupus and the Body, Including Kidney Impact to better understand how lupus affects the body, particularly the kidneys. This survey also explores people’s knowledge of lupus nephritis symptoms, screening, and treatment.
If you are living with lupus or are a caregiver for someone diagnosed with lupus, your participation in this anonymous 10-minute survey is invaluable. Available in multiple languages, the survey will help advance research, shape future advocacy efforts, raise awareness, and push for better care and treatment options for people facing lupus and its complications.
We invite you to share this survey with your community, including individuals living with lupus, caregivers, and local lupus organizations. The more responses we receive, the stronger our case will be for improving care and support for people affected by lupus.
With the survey deadline approaching, these are the latest post on social media including on X/Twitter and Facebook.
If you haven’t taken the survey yet, there’s still time! Your insights will help drive awareness, advocacy, and improvements in healthcare policy and patient support.
Your voice matters. Thank you for helping us improve lupus care worldwide.
Research Opportunity
The efficacy of prebiotics and probiotics in reducing ocular signs and symptoms of immune disease-related dry eye.
Researchers at UNSW, Sydney (The University of New South Wales) are seeking volunteer research participants to learn about the effect of probiotics and prebiotics on immune disease-related dry eye. Probiotics are live bacteria intended to have health benefits when consumed; and prebiotics are a special form of dietary fibre.
To find out more go to https://lupusnsw.org.au/research-efficacy/
Help Athena Fight Lupus & Kidney Disease:
If you are able please help through her GoFundMe account:
What is lupus?
Also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus reprograms immune cells so they attack the body itself, resulting in chronic inflammation. It can affect the kidneys, joints, skin, brain, and the lining of the heart and lungs. Lupus can be mild or life-threatening.
Risk factors for developing lupus
The triggers for lupus are poorly understood. Some factors that are associated with developing lupus are:
- Being female: 90 per cent of Australians with lupus are women.
- Early adulthood: most cases of lupus are detected in people aged between 15 and 40.
- Genetic susceptibility: lupus is more prevalent in some families and some racial groups. Lupus is more prevalent and more severe in Aboriginal Australians than in the wider Australian population.
- Sunlight exposure can be a trigger in susceptible people.
Key Statistics
1 in 1,000
Lupus is estimated to affect more than 25,000 (1 in 1,000) people in Australia
15-45
Onset usually occurs between 15 and 45 years
90%
90% of those affected are women
Signs & Symptoms
How Does Lupus Affect the Body
Tips for Living with Lupus
Raise a hand to help us
Help research to find a cure!
Join us as we work to find a cure for this hidden monster
The Lupus Association of NSW site is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. However, do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information on this site. Always seek the advice of your local family physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment. Medical information changes rapidly and while the Lupus Association of NSW make efforts to continually update the content on the site, some information may be out of date.