DATE

DESCRIPTION

400 B.C.

Hippocrates writes about red ulcerating skin lesions which may or may not be connected with lupus.

About 1200 A.D.

The term lupus is used for the first time to describe red ulcerations on the face. The word lupus literally means wolf and there are two theories as to why it was used.

(1) The most common theory is that the skin rash, like a wolf, seemed to eat away the skin and destroy it. The rash, therefore, was said to resemble skin which had actually been bitten by a wolf; and

(2) The frightening appearance of some lupus sufferers put people in mind of werewolves. These were seen as human who had magical power to transform themselves into animals. The rash therefore, was said to make people’s faces resemble the face of a wolf and in the superstitious middle ages, that meant werewolves.

About 1800 A.D.

1875

Kaposi, a Viennese physician, recognises that lupus erythematosus can produce dangerous constitutional symptoms as well as skin rashes. He is acknowledged to be the first person to describe systemic lupus erythematosus and also the first to describe the butterfly rash on the lupus sufferer’s face.

1885-1903/4

Sir William Osler, in a series of papers, expands the concept of SLE and describes heart, lung, joint, brain, kidney and stomach symptoms. He also recognises that some cases of SLE occur without skin involvement.

1920s and 1930s

Pathologists working at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York describe a number of symptoms unique to SLE e.g. heart involvement known as Libman - Sacko endocarditis, a kidney lesion known as the wire loop and the hemotoxylin body. Also the term collagen disease is used by Dr Klemperer for the first time.

1922

The false positive test for syphilis is recognised as a reasonably common finding in SLE. (It is known that about 30% of SLE patients have a false positive Wasserman Test - this does not mean these people have venereal disease.)

1948

The LE phenomenon is refined by Dr. Hargraves at the Mayo Clinic and quickly becomes the basis for diagnosing SLE. This cell is essentially a white blood cell which has engulfed the nucleus of another cell. SLE can now be recognised in milder and milder forms and the LE cell discovery is the first clear sign that SLE could be an autoimmune disease.

1950s

Florescent tests to detect antibodies against the nucleus of cells are developed. Referred to as anti-nuclear antibody tests (ANA), 95% of SLE patients are known to be positive. Corticosteroids are used for the first time to control symptoms of SLE.

1959

At Otago Medical School the NZ Brown X NZ White hybrid mouse is discovered to develop a lethal kidney disease closely resembling lupus nephritis - the kidney disease which some people with SLE develop. This mouse has since been studied in laboratories all around the world. Other mice which develop lupus-like diseases have also been bred, particularly in the United States. These mice have aided research tremendously.

1960s

The prognosis for lupus sufferers improves dramatically as diagnosis improves, drugs are used more sensitively and public awareness begins to develop.

1970s

The Lupus Foundation of America assists groups around the world to come together in support of lupus sufferers and their families. Their primary task is to educate sufferers, the public and health professionals about lupus.

1979

The Lupus Association of NZ is founded by David Swindells. The prognosis of lupus sufferers has improved to such an extent that over 98% of people survive the first five years after diagnosis. That means that more and more people are leading very normal lives …. A far cry from wolf bites and werewolves…and so to the present day.

1981

Heather Bartlett (Craig).  Heather was diagnosed with Lupus in 1980 and not being aware that David had founded The Lupus Association of NZ (not registered) she contacted the Arthritis Foundation.

Heather said she was very lucky to come under the care of Dr Bob Grigor, sadly now deceased, he encouraged her to set up a group, the venue was at her home in Mountain Rd, Epsom Auckland.  Dr Grigor told Heather about another patient of his, David Swindells who was trying to organize a nation wide association.  David and Heather's combined efforts made a very good team.  Heather pays tribute to her own mother and David's wife for the enormous amount of support and help they received from them.  Heather said, "no attempt was made to form a committee as no one else seemed keen to participate at that level and that they both seemed to be able to manage".

1984

Dr Grigor was the speaker at their meeting. They had such a huge turnout of people it was obvious that the group was just becoming too big for "at home" meetings, it was decided that the meetings would be held at the Arthritis Foundation.  They had about 90 members on their mailing list at this time. In 1988 Heather moved to the UK.

1989

Nick Purvis takes over as coordinator from David Swindells.  The Group David established says Nick, "was primarily support, contact, advice, information and above all tried to be that link that's so often seems missing in confused, troubled or worried lives and times.

1993

By late 1993 Nick's health meant that the Group went into recess and Lupus people were again left without organised support.

1995

Durelle Dean held a meeting at St Luke Community Centre in Remuera Road Auckland, she was assisted by Pam Antill of the Arthritis Foundation. This was the first meeting to re-establish a new Lupus Support Group, it attracted 46 interested people.  Durelle moved out of the area in 1996.

1998

This was a year of major change for the Lupus Group. In June, this ambitious fledgling left the warmth and security of the Arthritis Foundation's nest, eager to test its brand new wings.  Tentatively at first, but soon learning to soar and sweep into a new era - with the new name of Lupus Auckland.

1999-2000

Saw the formation of three separate Districts.  First came South Auckland (now known as Counties Manukau) then North Auckland and finally West Auckland.  The Auckland Central Group went into recess until a convener/coordinator could be appointed.

2002

Registration of the "Lupus Trust of New Zealand", a new name for a new millennium. From humble beginnings of 46 people in 1995 we have grown to a very active membership well in excess of 330.  We now include in our aims and goals the need to raise awareness of SLE within the wider community, with the hope of greater understanding for our members in their daily battle. 

2002

Counties Manukau District separated from Lupus Trust of New Zealand and formed an Incorporated Society, named Lupus Care & Support Inc. The name of the society reflects their primary aim, that is to provide care and support to people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), discoid lupus (DLE) and associated diseases, through support meetings, telephone and social contact. Lupus Care and Support Inc .has the backing of health professionals from Middlemore Hospital.