SLE treatment Flashcards
what does SLE treatment depend on
severity of disease
mild, moderate or severe
describe the differences in severity of SLE
mild = systemic symptoms but no organ involvement moderate = some organ involvement but not life-threatening severe = life-threatening organ involvement
what drug is used in all SLE patients
hydroxychloroquine
what benefits does hydroxychloroquine give in SLE
can help with symptoms and has protective affect on preventing organ involvement
what non-pharmacological treatment can be used in SLE
sun protection, exercise, smoking cessation, reduce body weight
what drugs are used for mild disease not responding to hydroxychloroquine and for moderate disease
methotrexate or azathioprine(immunosupressants)
what drugs are used for severe
high dose steroid plus cyclophosphamide, or newer biologic agent
what biologic agents can be used in SLE in severe disease
rituximab
when is belimumab(biologic agent) used in SLE treatment
patients with severe joint disease skin disease, not organ failure, which has not responded to other treatment
(ie moderate SLE not responding to treatment)
what score is used to monitor disease activity in SLE
SLEDAI score
describe how steroids are used in SLE
minimise use, dose dependant on severity
what drugs are given in patients positive for any of the APL antibodies
antiplatelets and anti-coagulants(warfarin)
