Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Flashcards
What is SLE?
Systemic autoimmune disease
Can affect any part of the body
What is the gender distribution of SLE?
M:F ratio is 1:9
How does race affect prevalence of SLE?
Higher in Asians, Afro Americans, Hispanic Americans, Caribbeans
Rare in black Africans
What factors affect the development of SLE?
Genes Hormones: incidence higher with exposure to oestrogen Viral infections UV light Smoking/silica powder
Describe the pathogenesis of SLE
Increased apoptosis
Defective clearance of cell debris leaves cell materials lingering
Increased exposure may lead to antigen formation against these self proteins - autoimmunity
B and T cells are stimulated
Autoantibodies are formed
Name 5 constitutional symptoms of SLE
Fatigue! Malaise Poor appetite Weight loss Fever
Name 6 mucocutaneous features of SLE
Photosensitivity Malar rash Discoid lupus erythematosus Alopecia Mouth ulcers Raynaud's syndrome
Name 4 MSK features of SLE
Arthralgia RARELY deforming or erosive
Myalgia
Inflammatory arthritis
Avascular necrosis (femoral head)
Name 4 pulmonary features of SLE
Pleurisy
Infections
Pleural effusions and fibrosis
Pulmonary hypertension and infarction
Name 4 cardiac features of SLE
Pericarditis
Cardiomyopathy
Libman-Sachs endocarditis (sterile)
Name the renal feature of SLE and its presentation
Glomerulonephritis
- proteinuria
- hypertension
- acute (or chronic) renal failure
How is glomerulonephritis associated with SLE detected?
Active investigation
Signs aren’t apparent until very late on
Name 4 neurologic features of SLE
Depression/psychosis
Migraines
Stroke/TIAs
Cranial/peripheral neuropathy
Name 4 haematological features of SLE
Lymphadenopathy
Leukopaenia
Anaemia
Thrombocytopenia
Which 2 tests must be done to check for SLE?
FBC
Renal function & urinalysis
