The autoimmune diseases known as lupus are hard to diagnose, unpredictable and affect many more women than men -- explains Dr. Hiroshi Kato, a rheumatologist at Upstate University Hospital.
He explains how lupus causes the immune system to attack the body’s healthy tissues and organs. While its cause is unknown, lupus appears to involve both genetic factors and environmental triggers, Kato says, adding that close monitoring by a rheumatologist is usually necessary to help control the disease.
Also on this week’s show: the role of transitional care, plus suicide prevention.