Connective Tissue Diseases- APS, Sjogren's, Systemic Sclerosis Flashcards
What characterises APS?
Venous or arterial thrombosis and/or adverse pregnancy outcomes in the presence of anti-phospholipid antibodies
What are anti-phospholipid antibodies antibodies against?
Phospholipid binding proteins
What can recurrent emboli/thrombosis lead to?
Life-threatening pulmonary hypertension
What are the adverse pregnancy outcomes that can occur in anti-phospholipid syndrome?
- Late spontaneous foetal loss (2nd/3rd trimester usually though can occur at any time) - Premature birth due to severe pre-eclampsia or placental insufficiency - Recurrent early foetal loss < 10 weeks
Is APS always associated with another condition?
Not necessarily, it can just exist on its own
What other conditions is APS often associated with?
SLE, or another rheumatic/autoimmune disease
What CV effects can APS have?
Increased frequency of stroke/MI, especially in younger patients
What may strokes occur secondary to in APS?
In situ thrombosis/embolism that originates from the valvular lesions of Libman-Sacks (sterile) endocarditis
What is catastrophic APS?
A rare, serious and often fatal manifestation of APS characterised by multi-organ infarctions over a period of days-weeks
What is the mortality rate of catastrophic APS?
50%
What haematological change does APS cause?
Thrombocytopenia or prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT)
What is the name of this rash, associated with APS?
Livedo Reticularis
What neurological symptom occurs with APS?
Migraine
What are the three main anti-phospholipid antibodies?
- Anti-cardiolipin antibody
- Lupus anticoagulant
- Anti-beta2 glycoprotein
What type of antibody can anti-cardiolipin antibody/anti-beta2 glycoprotein be?
IgM or IgG
What is diagnostic of APS? (in terms of antibodies)
One or more of the antibodies must be positive on 2 occasions at least 12 weeks apart
What is the mainstay of treatment for APS?
Anticoagulation
What medication is used for APS? When should this be changed?
Warfarin, this is changed to LMWH during pregnancy (warfarin is teratogenic)
When is anticoagulation required in APS?
Only for patients who have had an episode of thrombosis
(DO NOT give unless this has happened, even if the patient is antibody positive)
What DMARD is used in APS?
Hydroxychloroquine
What is this clinical sign? When is it seen?
Bilateral parotid gland swelling- Sjogren’s Syndrome
What type of disease is Sjogren’s Syndrome?
Chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder
What characterises Sjogren’s Syndrome?
Lymphocytic infiltrates in exocrine organs causing diminished lacrimal and salivary gland function resulting in dry eyes/mouth
Sjogren’s can be primary or secondary. What are two conditions it can be secondary to?
RA and SLE
Who is Sjogren’s most common in?
Women in their 50s/60s