SLE Flashcards
What is SLE?
A chronic inflammatory multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by remissions and exacerbations, often called lupus
What are the five phases of immune abnormalities in SLE?
- Susceptibility (genes and environmental factors)
- Abnormal innate and adaptive immune responses
- Autoantibodies immune complexes
- Inflammation
- Damage
What is the most characteristic skin manifestation of SLE?
An acute cutaneous lesion consisting of a butterfly-shaped rash across the bridge of the nose and cheeks
What percentage of SLE patients experience skin manifestations?
80% to 90%
What are the common neuropsychiatric manifestations of SLE?
- Subtle changes in behavior patterns
- Cognitive ability issues
- Headaches
- Psychiatric disorders (mood disorder, depression, psychosis)
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Seizures
What are the most common cardiopulmonary disorders associated with SLE?
- Pericarditis
- Pleuritis
Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura, the lining of the lungs and chest cavity, while pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart
What is required for the diagnosis of SLE according to ACR criteria?
The presence of at least four of the 7 criteria established by the ACR
What laboratory test is commonly elevated in more than 98% of SLE patients?
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA)
What are the goals of SLE treatment?
- Preventing progressive loss of organ function
- Reducing likelihood of acute disease
- Minimizing disease-related disabilities
- Preventing complications from therapy
What is the mainstay of SLE treatment?
Pain management and nonspecific immunosuppression
What medications are included in SLE treatment?
- NSAIDs
- DAMARDs (including antimalarials)
- Glucocorticoids
- Immunosuppressive agents (azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, methotrexate)
What role does hydroxychloroquine play in SLE treatment?
It has a central role for long-term treatment
reduce the frequency of disease flares (particularly of lupus nephritis), contribute to the maintenance of remission, prolong the onset of disease and reduce the risk of complications.
What is the most important medication for SLE?
Corticosteroids
What are the risks associated with corticosteroid use in SLE?
- Osteoporosis
- Fractures
- Corticosteroid toxicity
What is the focus of induction therapy for moderate-to-severe SLE?
To stop injury, recover function, and induce remission by managing immunologic activity
How should nurses approach psychological reactions in SLE patients?
By providing patient education and emotional support
Fill in the blank: SLE may cause dramatic changes in _______ and considerable distress for the patient.
[appearance]
