Immunology of RA & SLE Flashcards
What is SLE& what type of hypersensitivity reactivity reaction is it
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Skin rash caused by complexes of DNA & anti-DNA abs becoming localized in the skin to cause inflammation
- Type III hypersensitivity reaction
Outline the epidemiology of Lupus
- Most common in African-Americans ( 1 in 1000)
- Gender bias 10:1 female to male
- Age of onset: peaks in the 3rd/4th decade ( female)
What are the clinical features of SLE?
- Any organ/tissue
- Common patterns
- Immune complex deposition in the synovial membranes in the joints
- Skin( diverse patterns, photosensitivity, alopecia)
- Joints (non-erosive arthritis and tendinitis)
- Sicca symptoms ( salivary, lacrimal, genital tract)
- Glomerulonephritis ( several patterns: mesangial, membranous & peripheral)
- Neurological: CNS, eye, PNS
What pathologies can SLE bring to the eye?
- Blindness
- Retinal exudates
- Conjunctivitis
- Sjogrens syndrome
What pathologies can SLE bring to the skin covering?
- Baldness
- Discoid LE
- Butterfly rash
- Raynauds syndrome
- Photosensitivity
- Mucosal ulcers of the nose, mouth & vagina
What pathologies can SLE bring to the kidney?
- proteinuria
- kidney failure
- odedema
- Hypertension
What pathologies can SLE bring to the GI tract?
- Poor appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
What pathologies can SLE bring to the musculoskeletal system?
- Arthralgias
- Arthritis
- Mastalgias
What pathologies can SLE bring to the Reproductive system?
- Menorrhagia
- Amenorrhoea
- Prematurity
- Still births
What pathologies can SLE bring to the Lining membranes?
- Pericarditis
- Pleurisy
- Endocarditis
Define menorrhagia
abnormally heavy bleeding at menstruation
Explain lymphadenopathy in SLE
- Can cause liver & spleen enlargement
What is pleurisy and what is its most common symptom
-Inflammation of the pleura ( the sheet-like layers that cover the lungs)
Most common symptom= sharp chest pain when breathing deeply
What pathologies can SLE bring to the blood?
- Decreased platelets
- Abnormal autoantibodies
What pathologies can SLE bring to the CNS?
- seizures
- paralysis
- neuropathies
- psychiatric disorders
- Headaches or migraines