8 - Autoimmune Diseases Flashcards
Autoreactive B cells and autoantibodies
Directly cytotoxic
Activation of complement
Interfere with normal physiological function
Autoreactive T cells
Directly cytotoxic
Inflammatory cytokine production
Hashimotos thyroiditis
Destruction of thyroid follicles by autoimmune process
Associated with autoantibodies to thyroglobulin and to thyroid peroxidase
Leads to hypothyroidism
Grave’s disease
Inappropriate stimulation of thyroid gland by anti-TSH-autoantibody
Leads to hyperthyroidism
Failure of vitamin B12 absorption leads to what type of anaemia
Pernicious anaemia
Type of non-specific tests
Inflammatory marker
Type of disease specific diagnostic test
Autoantibody testing
HLA typing
What does HLA stand for?
Human leukocyte antigen
What are non-specific markers of systemic inflammation
ESR CRP Ferritin Fibrinogen Haptoglobin Albumin Complement
What treatments are there for autoimmune issues?
Supportive
Immunosuppression
Preventative
Anti-nuclear antibodies
Bind to skin cells that have been damaged by UV light.
Involved in SLE so the immune system forms antibodies against proteins and DNA in the nuclei of cells
What is SLE?
Systemic lupus erythematous
SLE: common features
Photosensitivity, malar rash, alopecia, mouth ulcers, arthralgia, arthritis, fatigue
SLE: internal organ involvement and problems with them
Kidney: lupus nephritis
Lung: pleurisy / pleural effusion
Brain: cerebral lupus, seizures, strokes
SLE: testing
Antinuclear antibodies
SLE: treatment
Immunosuppression
What is vasculitis?
Inflammation of small vessels
What does ANCA stand for?
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies
3 types of ANCA vasculitis
Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA)
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA)
Eosinophilic granulomatosus with polyangiitis (EGPA)
What is a granuloma?
Mass of inflamed tissue
What is polyangiitis?
Many vessels inflamed
How does a granuloma cause damage? Which areas?
Destructive lesions
e.g. nose, sinus, trachea, lung, orbits
Where does inflammation of small vessels cause most damage?
Skin
Kidney
Lung
Gut
Which Ab are involved in Reynaud’s?
Anticentromere Ab
What is primary Reynaud’s?
Common in young women
Runs in families
ANA negative
Fairly harmless
What is secondary Reynaud’s?
ANA positive
May be associated with scleroderma
Main features of scleroderma
Autoimmunity leads to ischaemia and fibrosis
Raynaud’s phenomenom, skin thickening and tightening in fingers and face
Internal organ involvement for scleroderma
Fibrosis may affect lungs, gut, kidneys
Testing for Scleroderma
Anti-nuclear antibodies
Treatment for scleroderma
Immunosuppression
