A SOUTHAMPTON-based specialist regional service that sees more than 700 patients a year has been named a national centre of excellence.

The service at University Hospital Southampton (UHS) is for patients with the immune condition lupus and was awarded the status by charity Lupus UK in recognition of the quality of care provided to patients over many years.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs and can affect almost any part of the body.

It is most common in females and research shows it is most often triggered during spells of high hormone activity in the reproductive years.

The condition can be difficult to diagnose and treat and sufferers can experience a range of mild to severe symptoms including rashes, joint swelling, hair loss and mouth ulcers, as well as inflammation in the lining of the heart or lungs, seizures and other nerve problems.

The Southampton clinic – which sees more than 700 patients every year – was set up in October 2002 by consultant rheumatologists Professor Chris Edwards and Dr Brian Davidson with a commitment to ongoing research into the causes of the disease and an aim to develop innovative and pioneering treatments.

“We set up the clinic with the aim of ensuring all patients with lupus have access to the best specialist care and latest treatments, while also being at the leading-edge for research which will ultimately lead to improved outcomes,” said Professor Edwards.

“We now have three consultants with a special interest in lupus, two specialist nurses with the first sister position initially funded by Lupus UK but now fully funded by UHS given the success of the role and the wider service.”