Rheumatologist Dr. Irene Blanco is the Director of Lupus Clinical Services at Northwestern in Chicago, Illinois. At Northwestern Medicine, her research interests focus on health outcomes, health disparities, and adverse social determinants of health in rheumatology, particularly in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Join Dr. Blanco as she sheds light on how for a long time there were different definitions of what lupus looks like, and how it is now more defined. Listen as she talks about how lupus can manifest differently in each patient, the key lab numbers patients should be aware of, and the importance of working together with your doctor to reach remission.

Among the highlights in this episode:

02:33: Dr. Irene Blanco shares her personal and professional journey in focusing on lupus, influenced by her aunt's experience and her exposure to lupus in medical school

04:25: Dr. Blanco discusses the lack of awareness and understanding of lupus among patients and communities

06:34: Dr. Blanco explains the concept of remission and low disease activity in lupus, shedding a light on the importance of setting clear standards and targets for lupus treatment

09:55: Dr. Blanco outlines specific measures used to assess remission in lupus patients, including the SLEDAI score and stable immunosuppression

12:16: Dr. Blanco advises patients to become familiar with their lab numbers and to communicate changes in their health to their doctors

14:46: Dr. Blanco shares findings from her research on health disparities affecting lupus patients, particularly those from minority and low-income backgrounds

17:45: Dr. Blanco discusses the need to train health care providers to address the psychosocial issues faced by lupus patients

19:20: Dr. Blanco explains how she and her team proactively address patients' social determinants of health and coordinate multidisciplinary care

22:06: Dr. Blanco emphasizes the importance of not giving up and seeking support

Contact Our Host

Adam Kegley, Associate Director, Global Partnerships at GHLF: akegley@ghlf.org

A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments or questions to podcasts@ghlf.org

Remission Possible is a podcast series produced by the non-profit Global Healthy Living Foundation and its arthritis patient community CreakyJoints. This episode was made possible with support from AstraZeneca.

Learn more at ghlf.org/remission-possible/

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