Connective Tissue Disease Flashcards
Systemic lupus ertythematosus is a CTD. What is the general pathology behind connective tissue disease?
Autoimmunity; antibodies produced against cells of the body
SLE affects males more than females. True/False?
False
Females 9:1 males
Prevalence of SLE is higher in which ethnic groups?
Afro-Americans
Afro-Caribbeans
Asians
List general symptoms + signs of SLE
Fatigue
Skin changes
Malaise
Joint pain
List skin changes in SLE
Malar/butterfly/discoid rash
Photosensitivity
N.B. sparing of nasolabial fold
SLE can be a totally cutaenous disease. True/False?
True
List musculoskeletal changes in SLE
Joint pain
Non-deforming arthritis
Myopathy
What is the difference between mild, moderate and severe SLE?
Mild - ‘simple’ cutaneous changes
Mod - arthritis, effusions etc.
Sev - organ-threatening disease
What are the main screening tests for SLE?
FBC
Urinalysis
Renal function
Antibodies
What are the main antibodies that are raised in SLE?
ANA
Anti-ds-DNA
Anti-Sm
ENA
ANA is the most useful/diagnostic antibody in SLE. True/False?
False
Anti-double-stranded DNA antibody is most specific
List general treatment for SLE
NSAIDs, analgesia
Anti-malarial
Steroids
Immunosuppressants
What is the anti-malarial used for SLE?
Hydrochloroquine
Steroids can be used as monotherapy in SLE. True/False?
False
What is antiphospholipid syndrome?
Autoimmune disease where antibodies are produced against phospholipid, causing increased risk of blood clots