SLE; DLE; Sjorgren's; APS Flashcards
Define SLE [1]
SLE is a chronic multisystem disorder that most commonly affects women during their reproductive years.
It is characterised by the presence of antinuclear antibodies. In addition to constitutional symptoms, it most frequently involves the skin and joints
SLE typically takes a relapsing-remitting course, with flares of worse symptoms and periods where symptoms settle.
Describe the basic pathophysiology of SLE [1]
SLE is characterised by anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA). These are autoantibodies against proteins within the cell nucleus. These antibodies generate a chronic inflammatory response, leading to the condition’s features.
Describe the pathophysiology of SLE [+]
Body produces B cells. Normally when they react to self they get destroyed.
In SLE they escape from peripheral circulation - they differentiate into plasma cells and produce antibodies to nuclear parts of cells (thus ANA)
Complexes of antibody-antigen deposit in the body and cause damage e.g. skin, joints and renal are most common
When deposited the immune system causes complexes. But in SLE, have complement dysfunction. This adds to the inflam cascade and actives inflam cytokines
Over the course of lifetime, get waxes and wanes of SLE
Name a virus that can trigger SLE [1]
EBV
Describe the clinical presentation of SLE
Joint pain & swelling (without joint destruction)
Malar rash - spares nasolabial folds. Feels inflammed
Mouth ulcers
Reynauds
Livedo reticularis - broken lattice work in inflam. disease
Photosensitivity
Lupus nephritis
Alopecia
Discoid erythematosus
Lymphadenopathy
Name this manifestation of SLE [1]
Livedo reticularis
SLE symptoms
Other symptoms can be organ-specific caused by active inflammation these tend to develop within 5 years of diagnosis, such as:
Renal - lupus nephritis
Pleuritis; pneumonitis; PE
Pericarditis; Reynauds; Atherosclerosis
Headache or migraine; seizure; pyschosis
Which other autoimmune conditons is SLE associated with? [3]
anti-phospholipid syndrome (20-30%), Sjogren’s disease (17.5%) and autoimmune thyroid disease (7.5%).
> 4 criteria (at least 1 clinical and 1 lab. criteria) OR bx proven nephritis with positive ANA-or anti-DNA
NB need ANA or Anti-DNA for a dx really
Which antibodies need to know that are associated with SLE? [6]
ANA -
DS-DNA - highly specific to SLE, meaning a positive result suggests SLE rather than other causes. But only half have ds-ANA
Anti-SM - highly specific but not very sensitive
Anti-RNP
Anti-Ro
Anti-La
Describe the relationship between diagnosis of ANA and SLE
Just because have + ANA doesn’t mean have lupus.
- Low titre ANA are common in normal population
- ANA can increase in lots of inflam. diseases
- Need the clinical features and other antibodies for dx
- E.g. thyroid disease / malaria / other disease can have a positive ANA
Describe the diagnostic criteria for SLE
The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) / American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria (2019) can be used for diagnosis. This takes into account the clinical features and autoantibodies suggestive of SLE. uses 11 criteria of which 4 or more are required for diagnosis
Describe the general principles for treating SLE
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Skin:
- hydroxychloroquine or azathriopine.
Joints
- hydroxychloroquine or methotrexate
Vital organs:
- Azathriopine
- MMF
- Cyclophosphamide - esp. if renal involvement
PassMed:
All patients - hydroxychloroquine
Mild Disease:
- hydroxychloroquine & low dose pred.
- Methotrexate and NSAIDs can also be used
Moderate disease:
- hydroxychloroquine with short term pred.
- Additional agents may include methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate and ciclosporin.
Severe disease:
- induction therapy of intense immunosuppressants and then maintenence
- DMARDs (methotrexate; MMF; cyclophoshamide) & Biologics (Rituximab; Belimumab) may also be used
Describe the complications of SLE
Nephritis:
- Lupus nephritis: can lead to proteinuira; haematuria; end stage kidney disease
CV disease:
- CAD; myocarditis; pericarditis; heart failure
Pulmonary:
- ILD; pulmonary HTN; acute lupus pneumonitis
Neuropsyc:
- Head and mood to stroke or seizures
Hematologic abnormalities:
- leukopenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia and autoimmune hemolytic anaemia.
anti-Smith: highly specific (> 99%), sensitivity (30%)
Young female, facial rash, neuropsychiatric features, Raynaud’s - systemic lupus erythematosus
What is the most common cardiac manifestation of SLE? [1]
Pericarditis