Multi-system Autoimmune Disease (Connective tissue) Flashcards
What are the multi-system connective tissue diseases
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic sclerosis
Sjogren’s syndrome
Auto-immune myositis
Mixed connective tissue disease
What are mixed connective tissue diseases
Raynaud’s
Soft tissue swelling/sclerodactyly
Myositis
Arthralgia
What are the systematic vasculitidies
Giant cell arteritis
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegeners)
Microscopic polyangiitis
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss syndrome)
What are the differential diagnosis for systematic autoimmune disease
Malignancy - lymphoma
Infections - endocarditis, hepatitis B and C, TB, HIV
Drugs - cocaine, Minocyline (mimics LE) ,
υ Propylthiouracil (anti…nasculitis)
Cardiac myxoma
Cholesterol emboli
Scurvey
What is Systematic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic disease that causes inflammation in connective tissues, such as cartilage and the lining of blood vessels, which provide strength and flexibility to structures throughout the body.
What is epidemiology of Systematic Lupus Erythematosus
UK Prevalence: 28/100,000
UK incidence: 4/100,000
Female : Male 9:1
Onset: 15-50 years
Significant ethnic diversity:
Afro-Caribbean>Asian>Caucasian
What is genetics of SLE
- High concordance rate of SLE in monozygotic twins
- Sibling risk for developing SLE is 30-fold higher than in the general population
- Polygenic mode of inheritance (100 genes responsible to susceptibility)
What is aetiology of SLE
Hormonal factors (oestrogen increases chance)
Environmental factors - Ultraviolet light - Drugs o New biologics o Anti-viral agents - Infections
What is pathophysiology of SLE
SLE is characterised by anti-nuclear antibodies. These are antibodies to proteins within the persons own cell nucleus. This causes the immune system to target theses proteins. When the immune system is activated by these antibodies targeting proteins in the cell nucleus it generates an inflammatory response. Inflammation in the body leads to the symptoms of the condition. Usually, inflammation is a helpful response when fighting off an infection however it creates numerous problems when it occurs chronically and against the tissues of the body.
What are presenting symptoms of SLE
Fatigue
Weight loss
Arthralgia (joint pain) and non-erosive arthritis - bilateral
Myalgia (muscle pain)
Fever
Photosensitive malar rash.
This is a “butterfly” shaped rash across the nose and cheek bones that gets worse with sunlight.
Lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly
Shortness of breath
Pleuritic chest pain
Mouth ulcers
Hair loss
Raynaud’s phenomenon
What should you do for every patient with SLE
Check urinalysis for every patient with SLE suspicion
Look for Proteinuria, Haematuria
Lupus Nephritis is a major cause of death
What auto antibodies are seen in SLE
Anti-Nuclear antibodies
Anti -ds DNA
Anti -Sm (Smith)
Anti–Ro
Antiphospholipid antibodies
Describe Anti-Nuclear antibodies
Antinuclear antibodies
- Seen in 95% of SLE
- BUT Not specific for SLE
Seen in many inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic diseases
Seen in 5% to 15% of healthy population
Describe Anti -ds DNA
Seen in 60% of patients with SLE
Highly specific for SLE
Low titre rarely seen in other inflammatory conditions
Strongest clinical association is with nephritis
Describe Anti -Sm (Smith)
Seen in 10% to 30% of SLE patients
Highly specific for SLE
Describe Anti–Ro
Risk of foetal congenital heart block
Neonatal lupus