Lupus is known as “the disease with a thousand faces” because its symptoms can vary widely and affect different organs in the body. According to dr. Gantira Wijayakusumah Danasasmita, Sp.PD, Subsp.R(K), an internal medicine specialist and rheumatology consultant at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, lupus is an autoimmune disease that can attack almost any part of the body—from the skin to vital organs such as the blood, blood vessels, kidneys, heart, and brain. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system that should protect the body from infections mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues.
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What Is Lupus Disease?
Based on dr. Gantira’s explanation, lupus or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease, meaning it can affect multiple organs throughout the body. It is not an inherited disorder, although genetics play a significant role in increasing a person’s susceptibility to lupus. People with a family history of autoimmune diseases are at a higher risk of developing autoimmune conditions, whether the same or different ones.
Still according to dr. Gantira, lupus most commonly appears in young adults aged 20–40 years and affects women more frequently than men. In some cases, lupus can develop in childhood and persist into adulthood, though it is rarely found in older individuals.
Lupus Symptoms
According to dr. Gantira, lupus symptoms can vary depending on the affected organs. However, several hallmark signs should be noted, including:
- A butterfly-shaped rash on the face (across the cheeks and nose).
- Joint pain or stiffness.
- Early-onset kidney dysfunction, which may indicate internal organ involvement.
In addition, lupus patients may experience extreme fatigue, fever, hair loss, mouth ulcers, or swelling in certain body parts. Because its symptoms mimic many other diseases, lupus can be difficult to diagnose without comprehensive medical evaluation.
Causes and Risk Factors of Lupus
According to dr. Gantira, the exact cause of lupus remains unclear. However, several factors are believed to contribute to its onset, such as:
- Genetic factors, especially if there is a family history of autoimmune diseases.
- Hormonal influences, particularly estrogen, which is more dominant in women.
- Environmental factors, such as excessive sun exposure or pollution.
- Lifestyle and health history, including chronic stress, smoking, or the presence of other autoimmune conditions.
These factors can trigger an overactive immune response, causing the body to attack its own tissues and resulting in inflammation across various organs.
Lupus Treatment at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
According to dr. Gantira, lupus treatment focuses on controlling inflammation and preventing organ damage. The main therapy involves immunosuppressant medications, which work by suppressing the immune system to prevent it from attacking healthy tissues.
The type of medication prescribed depends on which organs are affected. In cases where immunosuppressant therapy cannot be administered—such as when an active infection is present—doctors may perform plasmapheresis, a blood-filtering procedure that removes inflammatory substances. This technique is often used for lupus patients experiencing blood-related complications, such as low platelet counts or hemolytic anemia.
According to dr. Gantira, the ultimate goal of lupus treatment is to achieve remission, a state where lupus symptoms become inactive. The time it takes to reach remission varies for each patient, depending on the severity and the organs involved. Lupus that affects only the skin generally achieves remission faster than lupus affecting major organs like the kidneys or nervous system.
The Importance of Compliance and Family Support for Lupus Patients
Based on dr. Gantira’s explanation, lupus treatment is a long-term process that requires patient commitment. One of the main challenges is treatment fatigue or burnout, which may affect both patients and their caregivers. However, dr. Gantira emphasizes that inconsistent treatment can worsen the condition and lead to further organ damage.
With consistent therapy and strong family support, many lupus patients can achieve remission and lead active, productive lives. According to dr. Gantira, patients who adhere to their treatment plans have a higher chance of living well without frequent flare-ups or symptom recurrences.
Profile and Practice Schedule of dr. Gantira at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
dr. Gantira Wijayakusumah Danasasmita, Sp.PD, Subsp.R(K) earned her medical degree from Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani (UNJANI), then completed her specialization in Internal Medicine and subspecialty in Rheumatology at Universitas Indonesia.
She is an internal medicine specialist with advanced expertise in rheumatology, a branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating diseases that affect the joints, muscles, bones, and connective tissues, such as lupus, arthritis, gout, rheumatism, and other autoimmune disorders.
As a rheumatology consultant, dr. Gantira has completed advanced subspecialty training and is recognized as an expert in managing various autoimmune and rheumatologic conditions.
Clinic schedule at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri:
- Tuesday: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Saturday: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
To make an appointment with dr. Gantira at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, patients can use the Chat via WhatsApp, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter App, available on Google Play and App Store. These features allow easy scheduling, queue tracking, and access to complete information about your visit.
Source: dr. Gantira Wijayakusumah Danasasmita, Sp.PD, Subsp.R(K)
