Research Reveals Unique Sub-Groups of Type 2 Lupus (Extract from Lupus Foundation of America)
A new study provides insights into the nature of symptoms experienced by people with lupus. While Type 1 and Type 2 lupus models (described below) have previously been identified, the latest research expands upon and refines these definitions, revealing two new Type 2 patterns based on patient experiences including: Intermittent and Persistent Type 2 lupus.
The Type 1 and 2 Lupus Models describe and categorize signs and symptoms of lupus in two distinct patterns based on rheumatologists’ clinical experiences and patient reported symptom experiences.
- Type 1 lupus: Encompasses the signs and symptoms that are classically attributed to inflammation, including arthritis, rash, serositis, nephritis, central nervous system lupus, and certain laboratory findings.
- Type 2 lupus: Includes symptoms like fatigue, widespread pain, mood disturbance, and cognitive dysfunction. These are not typically included in physician-reported measures of lupus.
To help refine these definitions and ensure they reflect the lived experience of people with lupus, researchers conducted in-depth interview with 42 people with lupus. From listening to their individual accounts, two patterns of Type 2 lupus emerged: Intermittent and Persistent.
- Intermittent Type 2 – People with Intermittent Type 2 lupus described feeling well when their Type 1 symptoms were inactive. Their Type 2 symptoms resolved at the same time as their Type 1 inflammatory symptoms.
- Persistent Type 2 – People with Persistent Type 2 lupus described experiencing Type 2 symptoms but had less frequent and less severe organ system involvement. Additionally, they described always experiencing Type 2 symptoms even when Type 1 symptoms were inactive, although severity may vary.
The findings of this study provide new details and insights about the lived experience of people with lupus, uncovering new patterns and commonalities that could benefit from different approaches to therapy.
