Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Flashcards
What is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?
Autoimmune inflammatory disorder in which immune complexes are deposited systemically
In which population is SLE most prevalent?
Middle aged women
Asian, Afro-Carribean
What are some of the non specific features of SLE?
Relapsing nature Fatigue Weight loss Fever Myalgia
What are the main features of SLE?
A RASH POINts an MD Arthritis Renal ANA +ive Serositis Haematological Photosensitivity Oral ulcers Immune phenomenon Neurological Malar rash Discoid rash
What are the features of the arthritis associated with SLE?
Non erosive
Peripheral joints
Jaccoud’s (reducible deforming arthropathy)
What are the renal features associated with SLE?
Proteinuria
Increased BP
What serositis is associated with SLE?
Pericarditis (Chest pain relieved by sitting forward)
Pleuritis (Pleuritic pain, dyspnoea, effusions)
What haematological changes occur in SLE?
Decreased WCC
Decreased platelets
What are the immunological features of SLE?
Anti-dsDNA
Anti-phospholipid syndrome can occur
What are the neurological features of SLE?, PCR
Seizures
Psychosis
What is a malar rash?
Associated with SLE
Facial erythema, sparing the nasolabial folds
What is a discoid rash?
Erythema → pigmented hyperkeratotic papules →
atrophic depressed lesions
Mainly effects the face and chest
What markers are raised in SLE?
ANA +ive in 95%
dsDNA - very specific
ENA +ive Ro, La, Sm, RNP
What can be used to monitor SLE?
ESR/CRP levels (Increasing - bad)
C3/C4 levels (Dropping - bad)
Anti dsDNA titres
What other investigations can be done in a patient with suspected SLE?
Bloods - FBC, U+Es, CRP, Clotting
Urine - Dipstick
