Lupus, a disease of the immune system, can be quite deadly, claiming the lives of thousands of patients yearly. Dr. Daniel J. Wallace is one of the world''s leading authorities on this disorder, an eminent clinician who has treated over 3,000 lupus patients, the largest such practice in America. His The Lupus Book, originally published in 1995, immediately established itself as the most readable and helpful book on the disease.Now Dr. Wallace has once again completely revised The Lupus Book, incorporating a wealth of new information. This book discusses new drug information and newly discovered information about the pathology of the disease all laid out in user-friendly language that any patient could understand. In particular, Wallace discusses the first drug for lupus to be approved by the FDA--belimumab (Benlysta)--as well as other drugs in clinical trials. Readers will also discover sections on the science of lupus and breakthroughs in research including: genetics, microbiome, and clinical trial methodology. And as in past editions, the book provides absolutely lucid answers to such questions as: What causes lupus? How and where is the body affected? Can a woman with lupus have a baby? And how can one manage this disease? Indeed, Dr. Wallace has distilled his extensive experience, providing the most up-to-date information on causes, prevention, cure, exercise, diet, and many other important topics. There is also a glossary of terms and an appendix of lupus resource materials compiled by Dr. Wallace. This new seventh edition discusses new treatments, review of pathogenesis, new laboratory tests