Waikato University researchers are working with doctors in the region to look for ways to improve both the early detection and management of lupus.
Dr Ross Lawrenson, the professor of population health, says the disease, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, causes the body’s immune system to attack its own tissues and organs.
Symptoms range from skin rashes and joint pain through to kidney failure and death.
“Maori with SLE have four and half times the risk of developing lupus nephritis. So really important to identify the disease early, treat it early, and prevent Maori from then going on to getting this nasty complication,” Dr Lawrenson says..
Lupus affects 42 in every 100-thousand New Zealanders.
