SLE Flashcards
Define SLE
Multi-systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease in which autoantibodies to a variety of auto antigens result in the formation and deposition of immune complexes
Which gender is SLE more prevalent in?
F 9:1
In which age group is SLE most common?
Child bearing age
In which ethnic groups is SLE more common?
Afrocaribbean and asian
What are some features for a history of SLE?
Relapsing and remitting history
Constitutional symtoms: fatigue, weight less, five, myalgia
What is A RASH POINts to Medical Diagnosis?
Arthritis Renal - proteinuria and increased BP ANA positive Serositis Haematological: AIHA, decreased WCC and platelets Photosensitivity Oral ulcers Immune phenomenon: anti dsDNA, anti-Sm- anti-phosophlipid Neurological: seizures, psychosis Malar rash Discoid rash
What is the arthritis in SLE like?
Non erosive, involves peripheral joints
Jaccouds: educible deforming arthropathy
What effects of serositis may patients with SLE have?
Pleuritis: pleuritic chest pain, dyspnoea, effusion
Pericarditis: chest pain relieved by leaning forwards
What is a malar rash?
Facial erythema sparing the nasolabial folds
How does a discoid rash occur?
Erythema -> pigmented hyperkeratotic papules -> atrophic depressed lesions
Mainly affects chest and face
What immunology is very specific in SLE?
ANA positive
dsDNA
How can disease activity be monitored for SLE?
Anti sDNA titres
Complement C3 and C4 decrease
Increased ESR
Name some additional investigations that could be done for a patient with SLE?
Bloods: FBC, U&E, CRP, clotting
Urine dip and PCR
What happens in SLE?
Autoantibodies against auto antigens form immune complexes. Inadequate clearance of immune complexes leads to immune responses that cause tissue inflammation and damage
Describe the features of SLE
Often non specific such as malaise, fatigue, myalgia, fever
Organ specific due to inflammation and damage
Lymphodenopathy, weight loss, alopecia, nail fold infarcts, non infective endocarditis (Libman sacks syndrome), raynauds, stroke, retinal exudates
