Lupus Program

Lupus Program

  • About
  • Approach
  • Appointments
  • Research

    • The Lupus Program at U-M Health provides world-class care to patients with lupus. Our center is designed to provide expert care for patient with lupus, with access to the latest treatments and clinical trials.

    Our Approach

    Our team of rheumatologists, nephrologists, pulmonologists, hematologists, dermatologists, and high-risk obstetricians and gynecologists provide comprehensive care for all lupus patients.

     

    Appointment Information

    Patients can schedule an appointment by calling 888-229-3065.

    Research

    The University of Michigan Lupus Research Group is dedicated to learning more about what causes lupus, how flares can be reduced or prevented, how to predict disease progression and activity, and how to prevent permanent organ damage. By learning more about the development of and risk factors for lupus it may be a step towards finding new prevention and treatment strategies.

    The Michigan Medicine Lupus Program has a strong program in basic science research. Areas of research include:

    • Identifying genetic and epigenetic abnormalities in lupus patients that predispose them to the disease
    • T cell abnormalities in lupus
    • Abnormal cell death and the development of lupus
    • Abnormalities in the interactions of different cells of the immune system that might predispose lupus patients to the disease
    • Mechanisms by which lupus patients develop accelerated heart disease
    • Mechanisms of kidney damage in lupus
    • Role of dendritic cells and neutrophils in lupus
    • Abnormal signal transduction in lupus cells

    Clinical trials are a type of research study design to test new treatments or diagnostic tests in those affected by a specific disease or condition. They help achieve a better understanding of the disease that is being investigated and determine the effectiveness and safety of new treatments.

    Our group actively participates in different clinical trials giving our patients the opportunity to receive promising new treatments or participate in new diagnostic procedures. Participation is completely voluntary.
    • Nada Abdulaziz, MBBS - PubMed
    • J. Michelle Kahlenberg, MD, PhD - PubMed
    • Jason Knight, MD, PhD- PubMed
    • Wendy Marder, MD - PubMed
    • W. Joseph McCune, MD - PubMed
    • Emily Somers, PhD, ScM - PubMed
    • Amber Young, MD - PubMed

    News & Stories
    microscope drawing yellow navy
    Health Lab

    Single-cell RNA sequencing gives insight to dermatomyositis treatment

    Comparing skin lesions in dermatomyositis and lupus using single-cell RNA sequencing gives rheumatology researchers at University of Michigan Health new insight into treatment targets for dermatomyositis patients.
         The Doziers stand next to each other smiling with 15 members of the Critical Care Unit nursing team standing in a group behind them.
    Philanthropy News

    Compassionate gifts turn heartbreak into hope

    Margie and Tillman Dozier are honoring their daughter, Daria, through their generous support of critical care nursing and the Department of Rheumatology at Michigan Medicine.
         blood vials and person putting gauze pad on arm
    Health Lab

    Using gene expression in blood to personalize care for APS

    Antiphospholipid syndrome looks different in every patient. By using whole-blood RNA sequencing and machine learning, University of Michigan Health researchers reveal distinct immune patterns that may pave the way for personalized treatment.
         six women standing together smiling in front of posters
    Health Lab

    For scleroderma research, patients seen as essential co-creators

    As scleroderma research moves forward, involving patients with scleroderma in clinical trials can give researchers insight into what is most important for patients living with the condition.
         radiation technology in cool lighting setting dark blue orange red hues
    Health Lab

    Radiation therapy for non-cancer diseases

    An expert discusses the long time usage of radiation therapy for non-cancer diseases in other countries that are now available in the United States.
         microscope drawing in navy and yellow with off white background
    Health Lab

    Cracking the code on APS vasculopathy

    Antiphospholipid syndrome vasculopathy is often overlooked in patients and can result in organ failure. Researchers at University of Michigan Health uses skin biopsies to pinpoint features in blood cells that give insight to the condition.