Lupus/SLE Flashcards
lupus patho
multisystem inflammatory disease of autoimmune origin
infectious agents may be the cause
may be precipitated be drugs such as anticonvulsives, hydralazine/apresoline, procainimide/pronestyl
s/s lupus
affects the skin,joints and serous membranes,
renal, hematologic, neurologic systems, varies from mild to rapidly progressing
dermatologic s/s
cutaneous vascular lesions, butterfly rash over cheeck &bridge of nose, sun sensitivity, rashes, hair loss
musculoskeletal s/s
polyarthalgia w/morning stiffness
may cause deformities such as swan neck def. of fingers
cardiopulmonary s/s
tachypnea and cough suggests restrictive lung disease (no non selective beta blockers)
dysrythmias
CAD
Renal s/s
lupis nephritis
proteinuria to rapid progressive glomerulonephritis
ervous system s/s
HA, seizures, memory loss
hematologic s/s
anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia,
increased susceptibility to infection fever should be taken seriously
Diagnosis of lupus
based on symptoms
no specific test but a variety of abnormalities in the blood can be found
-Antibody testing-Antinuclear antibody ANA
-Anti-Smith antibody(anti-sm); Anti-DNA antibody most specific to lupus
-Le cellprep is not specific to lupus
Test to monitor treatment effectiveness
ESR & CRP measure inflammation
treatments for lupus
focus is on quality of life/ management
- NSAIDS for polyarthralgia
- corticosteroids for severe exacerbations of polyarthritis
- steroid sparing drugs/Methotrexate
- antimalarials(plaquenil) treats fatigue and moderate skin/joint problems
- requires yearly eye exam)
- immunosuppressants:azothioprine(Imuran) cytoxan/
lupus pt teaching
-disease process
-pain mngmt strategies
-drug info
-energy conservatin techniques
-therapeutic exercise,use of heat therapy
-avoid of stress
-avoid individuals w/infection
-avoidance of drying soaps, -powders,household chemicals
-use of sunscreen
-regular lab work /followup
community resources
pt teaching on pregnancy
-more spontaneous abortions
-more stillborn
-exacerbation of lupus post partum
intrauterine growth retardation
