Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Flashcards
What population is SLE most common in?
15-40yo women
SLE principally affects… (2) but can also affect… (3)
joints and skin
lungs, kidneys, haematology
Presentation of SLE? (5)
Malaise, fatigue, fever, weight loss, lymphadenopathy
Specific features of SLE? (4)
Butterfly rash, alopecia, arthralgia, Raynaud’s phenomenon
Other features of SLE? (5)
Inflammation of kidney, CNS, heart and lungs, accelerated atherosclerosis, vasculitis
Whats used to diagnose SLE?
ACR criteria, 4/11 confirms diagnosis
A fundamental part of the pathogenic process in SLE is….
a deficiency of the clearance of apoptotic cells, they generate more apoptotic cells e.g. in response to UV light, anti-nuclear antibodies generated
pathogenesis of SLE? (6 steps)
abnormal clearance of apoptotic cell material -> dendritic cell uptake of auto antigens and activation of B cells -> B cell Ig class switching and affinity mutation -> IgG autoantibodies -> immune Complexes -> complement activation, cytokine activation etc
Lab tests for SLE? (3)
Antinuclear antibodies
Anti-dsDNA and Sm (antibodies against double stranded DNA will be positive in SLE, and anti-Sm will be seen in 20% of patients)
Anti-Ro and/or La (Ro is more important- these antibodies can cross the placenta and cause heart block in a fetus):
What does homogenous staining of ANAbs suggest?
- Homogenous - Abs to DNA
What does speckled staining of ANAbs suggest?
- Speckled - Abs to Ro, La, Sm, RNP
What does nucleolar staining of ANAbs suggest?
- Nucleolar - topoisomerase – scleroderma
What does centromere staining of ANAbs suggest?
- Centromere - limited cutaneous scleroderma
What haematological signs suggests SLE? (6)
- Lymphopaenia, normochromic anaemia
- Leukopaenia, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopaenia
What renal tests suggests SLE? (6)
- Proteinuria, haematuria
- Active urinary sediment