Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Flashcards
SLE can affect all organ systems while DLE primarily affects…
Skin (discoid rashes)
Which groups are more at risk for SLE?
- Women during childbearing years
- Black and Hispanic people
- Those with a first degree relative with SLE
What environmental factors can trigger SLE?
- Sunlight (UV)*****
- Stress
- Smoking
- Medications (over 100)
- Viruses or virus-like elements
What hormones can trigger SLE?
Estrogen and prolactin
T/F: Breastfeeding decreases risk of SLE
TRUE
What does the presentation of SLE look like?
Fever, arthralgias, in a woman of childbearing age
What is the ACR diagnostic criteria acronym?
4/11:
SOAP
BRAIN
MD
What does the SOAP part of the ACR diagnostic criteria stand for?
- Serositis (pain/rub/effusion)
- Oral ulcers (typically painless)
- Arthritis* (red, swollen, tender)
- Photosensitivity (skin rash from sun)
What does the BRAIN part of the ACR diagnostic criteria stand for?
- Blood disorders (anemia/leuko/lymph/thrombocytopenia)
- Renal involvement (persistent proteinuria or cellular casts)
- Antinuclear Ab*
- Immunologic disorder (anti-DNA Ab, anticardiolipin, lupus anticoagulant)
- Neurologic disorder (seizures, psychosis)
What does the MD part of the ACR diagnostic criteria stand for?
- Malar rash
- Discoid rash
Which labs are indicative of aPL (+)?
Anticardiolipin, lupus anticoagulant (hypercoagulable)
What is Secondary APS?
Thrombotic event in aPL (+) patients (happens 50-70% of the time)
Why is APS dangerous?
Associated with DVT, stroke, neurologic manifestations, pregnancy complications
What diagnostic criteria is required for LN?
- Persistent proteinuria and/or cellular casts
- Renal biopsy and histology to confirm
What are symptoms of LN?
- Foamy urine
- Peripheral edema
- Concomitant HTN
What steroid should be used for the face initially?
Hydrocortisone 1% for the shortest amount of time possible
What should all SLE and DLE patients be on unless they have a true contraindication?
Hydroxychloroquine
400mg QD-BID for suppression
200-400 mg QD for maintenance
How long does it take HCQ to work?
2-4 months (adequate trial is 6 months)
What can be used to treat symptoms while other medications are taking time to kick in?
NSAIDs
T/F: HCQ should be discontinued during pregnancy
FALSE: it should be continued
What are the major ADEs to look out for for HCQ?
- Flu-like symptoms
- Ocular-toxicity*** (eye exam at baseline, 5 years, then annually)
- Allergic skin eruptions
- Hair and skin changes
When should steroids be used?
(ALWAYS ADJUNCT)
- Moderate-severe initial presentation
- Organ-threatening or life-threatening SLE
- Inadequate response to HCQ or NSAIDs
- Poor quality of life without
How are steroids used for rapid relief of symptoms?
Oral dose (prednisone 20-60 mg/day) or IV pulse followed by oral taper
(limit exposure to prevent long term effects)
What patients can use belimumab as adjunct therapy?
- Non-active-CNS, antibody-positive SLE
- Musculoskeletal or cutaneous disease unresponsive to HCQ/NSAID/steroid
- LN stage 3, 4, 5