SLE Flashcards
what is SLE?
a chronic autoimmune disease with v variable presentation mainly affecting the skin, joints, kidneys, blood cells and nervous system
what are some cutaneous features of SLE?
Malar/butterfly rash Discoid rash Oral ulceration Alopecia Raynauds
what are some potential features of SLE?
arthritis synovitis thrombocytopenia proteinuria nephritis
what are the most sensitive and most specific autoantibodies that are found in SLE?
most sensitive = ANA (anti-nuclear antibody)
most specific = anti-dsDNA antibody
name all of the antibodies that can be found in SLE?
ANA anti-dsDNA antibody Anti-Sm Anti-Ro Anti-La Anti-RNP
what treatment should all SLE patients receive regardless of their manifestations?
hydroxychloroquine
sun cream
minimal steroid use
Give 4 likely causes of chest pain in SLE?
Pleurisy
Myocardial infarction
Pericarditis
Pulmonary embolus
Do complement levels rise or drop when SLE is active?
Drop - low levels are a sign of active SLE
