SLE Flashcards
What is systemic lupus erythematosus?
an inflammatory autoimmune connective tissue disease
What is risk factors for SLE?
Female (of reproductive age)
Afro-caribbean
Asian
Family history (genetics unknown)
What are symptoms of SLE?
Non specific:
weight loss
fatigue
lymphadenopathy
Joint:
arthralgia
arthritis
myalgia
Chest:
SOB
interstitial lung disease
pleuritic chest pain
Other: Skin rashes (malar rash) Renal impairment photosensitivity splenomegaly hair loss mouth ulcers raynauds
What course does SLE take?
usually relapsing - remitting
What is the leading cause of disease?
Cardiovascular disease and infection
What is the pathophysiology of SLE?
Antinuclear antibodies attack the proteins within cell nucleus’.
This generates an inflammatory response.
What are the investigations for SLE?
1st - Anti-nuclear antibody blood test.
What does anti nuclear antibodies show?
Can be positive in people without SLE too.
So positive test needs to be considered with context.
Which antibody is specific for SLE?
Anti DS DNA (so patients without the disease won’t have it).
Levels correlate to disease activity.
What are the main symptoms of anti phospholipid syndrome>
can occur secondary to SLE
Misscarriages
Venous thromboembolism
What is the specific Anti nuclear antibody seen in SLE?
Anti smith antibody.
What are the complications of SLE?
Sjogrens Cardiovascular disease (hypertension, coronary artery disease) infection Anaemia of chronic disease pericarditis pleuritis neutropenia leukopenia thrombocytopenia interstitial lung disease lupus nephritis
What type of anaemia is a complication of SLE?
anaemia of chronic disease = chronic normochromic, normocytic anaemia
What neuropsychiatric conditions can be a complication of SLE?
Transverse myelitis psychosis optic neuritis seizures neuropathies
What is the 1st line treatment for SLE?
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
Steroids (prednisolone)
