SLE

Question 1

what is SLE

Answer 1

Multi-system autoimmune disease with variable clinical manifestation

Question 2

who gets SLE

Answer 2

afro-caribbean and asian patients

Question 3

pathogenesis of SLE

Answer 3

production of autoantibodies and deposition of complement.

Question 4

signs of SLE

Answer 4

systemic upset and joint /skin involvement:

Photosensitivity such as malar rash, Discoid rash, Mouth ulcers, Raynauds, Nonscarring alopecia, Vasculitis.

Arthritis, Inflammatory type joint pain

Renal involvement: lupus nephritis

pericarditis, myocarditis,
Pleurisy, Pulmonary embolism, Inflammatory lung disease

Question 5

triggers of SLE flares

Answer 5

Exposure to oestrogen, Sunlight, Infection, Stress and drugs

Question 6

investigations for SLE

Answer 6

urine dipstick, FBC and clotting screen, U&E, ESR and CRP, Complement, ANA, XRay, ECHO, CXR

Question 7

Diagnostic criteria

Answer 7

A RASH POINts MD

Arthritis
Renal disease
ANA positive
Serositis
Haematological
Photosensitivity
Oral ulcers
Immunological test positive
Neuropsychiatric
Malar rash
Discoid rash

Question 8

Treatment of SLE

Answer 8

sunscreen, Smoking cessation, healthy diet, calcium and Vit D.

NSAIDs, Hydroxychloroquine, Corticosteroids, DMARDs, Belimumab, Immunosuppressants