Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues throughout the body. This can lead to inflammation and damage in various organs and tissues, including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain.

The exact cause of lupus is not fully understood, but factors such as genetics, hormones, and environmental triggers are believed to play a role in its development. Lupus can present with a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, joint pain and stiffness, skin rashes, fever, chest pain, hair loss, and sensitivity to sunlight. The course of lupus is variable, with periods of flares (increased disease activity) and remissions (decreased disease activity).

Treatment typically involves medications to control symptoms, reduce inflammation, and suppress the immune system, along with lifestyle modifications and regular monitoring by healthcare providers.

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Pursuant to NRS 439.497 REPORTING AND ANALYZING INFORMATION ON LUPUS AND ITS VARIANTS, health facilities that are required to report to these registries include: 

• Hospitals
• Medical laboratories
• Other facilities that provide screening, diagnostic or therapeutic services to patients living with sickle cell or lupus and their variants.

These reporting health facilities shall report on: 

1. The name address, age, and ethnicity of the patient. 
2. The variant of sickle cell disease or lupus with the patient has been diagnosed. 
3. The method of treatment, including without limitation, any opioid prescribed for the patient has adequate access to that opioid. 
4. Any other disease from which the patient suffers including, without limitation, pneumonia, asthma, and gall bladder disease.
5. If the patient diagnosed with sickle cell disease or lupus and their variants dies, his or her age of death. 

Reporting requirements include fully completing the reporting form. The reporting form can be sent through a secure email to DPBHRDR@health.nv.gov or faxed to 775-684-5999. 

The reporting form can be found under SLE Reporting at the top of this dropdown or obtained by contacting the Lupus and Other Rare Diseases Project Coordinator, Ashlyn Torrez at atorrez@health.nv.gov or by phone at 775-447-0263.

For updated guidance, review the Division of Public and Behavioral Health Technical Bulletin web page regularly. Contact Ashlyn Torrez for other questions regarding reporting guidance for sickle cell and lupus and their variants. 

National Resources:

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Lupus
National Resource Center on Lupus

Resources in Nevada:

Colors of Lupus Nevada
Nevada Rare Disease Advisory Council (RDAC)