Connective tissue diseases Flashcards
what are connective tissue diseases
spontaneous over activity of immune system
What parts of the body canSLE affect?
EVERYWHERE
Is there a genetic link with SLE?
YES
Is there an increased risk with increased oestrogen?
yup
What is th primary pathogenies of SLE?
loss of immune regulation, increased and defective apoptosis, autoantibodies are produced
What is the criteria for clinical lupus?
arthritis, cutaneous lupus, oral or nasal ulcers, alopecia (non scarring), serositis, renal, leukopenia, neurological, ANA, antiDNA, antiSm, low complement
What are some symptoms of SLE
fever, malaise, WL, fatigue, poor appetite, photosensitivity, malaria rash, butterfly rash, raynauds, fibrosis of lungs, hypertension, infarct, pleurisy, pericarditis, cardiomyopathy,
What investigations would you do for SLE?
FBC, renal function, ANA, antiDNA, complement levels,
When should positive ANA test be taken seriously?
When other autoantibodies are positive also…
What drugs would you use in SLE?
NSAIDS and analgesia, hydroxychloroquine. Steroids (prednisolone small dose) for skin rashes, high dose for severe SLE, immunosuppressives.
What do patients with lupus die of?
Cardiovascular disease and infection primarily
What are signs of anti- phospholipid syndrome?
positive anti-cardiolipin antibodies, thrombosis, unexplained pregnancy loss/ recurrent pregnancy loss, thrombophlebitis, thrombocytopenia,
How do you treat anti- phospholipid syndrome
thrombosis- lifelong anti coag
pregnancy loss- aspirin and heparin during pregnancy
watch out for vascular risk factors
What is sjogrens syndrome?
autoimmune, lymphocyte infiltration of exocrine glands causing keratoconjunctivits and xerostomia
What symptoms do you get with sjogrens
oral and ocular symptoms daily for >3 months, eye dryness, Ro, La, biopsy of infiltrate and salivary gland involvement
