systemic autoimmune diseases

Question 1

what is systemic lupus (SLE)

Answer 1

chronic multisystem inflammatory disease

Question 2

what does SLE have autoantibodies against

Answer 2

Nucleic acids, erythrocytes,
coagulation proteins, phospholipids,
lymphocytes, platelets, and many
others

Question 3

what happens in the body of someone who has SLE

Answer 3

Deposition of circulating immune
complexes containing antibody against
the host’s deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

Question 4

which gender is SLE most common in

Answer 4

females— child bearing age

Question 5

is there a cure for SLE

Answer 5

no

Question 6

what are the clinical manifestations of SLE

Answer 6

Arthralgias or arthritis (pain in joints)
Vasculitis and rash (butterfly rash)
Renal disease
Hematologic changes, especially anemia
Cardiovascular disease

Question 7

presence of at least four of these findings indicate SLE

Answer 7

Facial (malar) rash,
discoid rash,
photosensitivity, (sensitive to light)
oral or nasopharyngeal ulcers,
nonerosive arthritis,
serositis,
renal disorders,
neurologic disorders,
hematologic disorders,
immunologic disorders,
presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs)

Question 8

what are the treatments for SLE

Answer 8

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs), steroids, and immunosuppressive
agents are administered