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
One lab and one clinical finding are required to diagnose antiphospholipid syndrome. List the potential lab findings
+ve antiphospholipid antibody
Lupus anticoagulation activity
anti-beta2-glycoprotein
One lab and one clinical finding are required to diagnose antiphospholipid syndrome. List the potential clinical findings
Thrombosis
Pregnancy loss
What is Sjogren’s syndrome?
Autoimmune destruction of exocrine glands
What is systemic sclerosis?
Autoimmune inflammation and thickening of skin due to increased collagen deposition
Raynaud’s phenomenon is usually present in systemic sclerosis - what happens?
Reduced blood flow/vasculopathy
Limited systemic sclerosis was known as CREST - what does this stand for?
Calconosis Raynaud's Esophageal dysmotility Sclerodactyly Telangectasia
Which antibodies are associated with systemic sclerosis?
Anti-centromere (limited)
Anti-Scl-70 (diffuse)
Which antibody is associated with Sjogren’s syndrome?
Anti-Ro
Anti-La
