Introduction to Inflammation

Question 1

What are the symptoms of systemic inflammation?

Answer 1

Fatigue
Weight loss
Low grade fever
Others
- Aches and pains
- Mouth ulcers
- Rashes

Question 2

What are the clinical markers of inflammation?

Answer 2

Increased
- ESR
- CRP
- Ig
- Ferritin
- WCC
- Platelets
Decreased
- Hb
- Albumin

Question 3

What are the risk factors for autoimmune diseases in general?

Answer 3

Specific monogenic/polygenic genotype
Epigenetics
Family history

Question 4

What are the triggers for autoimmune diseases in general?

Answer 4

Infection
Neoplasia
Environmental factors, including drugs

Question 5

What genes do the majority of coeliac patients express?

Answer 5

HLA DQ2/DQ8

Question 6

What is the target auto-antigen in coeliac disease?

Answer 6

Tissue transglutaminase

Question 7

What antibodies are measured clinically to diagnose coeliac disease?

Answer 7

Transglutaminase
Endomysium
Gliadin

Question 8

What is the clinical presentation of coeliac disease?

Answer 8

Malabsorption

Abdominal pain

Question 9

What is rheumatic fever?

Answer 9

Self-limited autoimmune disease triggered by group A streptococcus infection
Cross-reactivity between strep Ag and cardiac myosin

Question 10

What organs are affected in rheumatic fever?

Answer 10

Heart
Joints
Skin
Brain

Question 11

What are the commonest features of lupus?

Answer 11

Joint pain
Rash
Mouth ulcers
Serositis
Haematological abnormalities

Question 12

What is the screening test when there is clinical suspicion of lupus?

Answer 12

Antinuclear Abs (ANA)

Question 13

How is disease activity monitored in lupus?

Answer 13

Symptoms
ESR
CRO
MSU
FBE
Titres of dsDNA Ab