Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Flashcards
Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can cause damage and inflammation to any tissue in the body. Typically connective tissue (blood vessels, cartilage, skin, heart, kidney, lungs) is affected. Which type of hypersensitivity is SLE?
1 - type I hypersensitivity
2 - type II hypersensitivity
3 - type III hypersensitivity
4 - type IV hypersensitivity
3 - type III hypersensitivity
- antigen-immune complexes form and form clumps throughout the body
- lead to tissue damage and inflammation
What is a typer III hypersensitivity?
1 - IgE mediated
2 - cell mediated hypersensitivity
3 - IgG mediated cytotoxic
4 - immune complex mediated
4 - immune complex mediated
- antigen-immune complexes form and form clumps throughout the body leading to tissue damage and inflammation
Although the exact cause of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is unknown, it is though that susceptible genes and environmental factors may be triggers that initiate SLE. If a cell becomes damaged and undergoes apoptosis the contents are release. Typically what is important that is released from these cells?
1 - DNA
2 - histones
3 - nuclear proteins
4 - all of the above
4 - all of the above
- as these are all from the nucleus of the cell they are called nuclear antigens
- patients with SLE are less able to clear the nuclear antigens so they float around in the circulation
In Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) cells undergoing apoptosis release their contents, specifically those contents from the nucleus are referred to as nuclear antigens. How can the release of nuclear antigens then cause a type III hypersensitivity?
1 - immune cells recognise the antigens as foreign invades
2 - immune cells target all self cells randomly
3 - nuclear antigens initiate the release of cytokines
4 - all of the above
1 - immune cells recognise the antigens as foreign invades
- triggered by susceptible genes and/or environmental factors
In Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) cells undergoing apoptosis release their contents, specifically those contents from the nucleus are referred to as nuclear antigens, which immune cells recognise as foreign antigens. Which cell is then able to bind to these antigens and then produce anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) against these nuclear antigens?
1 - B cells
2 - NK cells
3 - T cells
4 - Monocytes
1 - B cells
- MHC-II bind with antigens
- they produce ANA antibodies
Are antinuclear antibodies (ANA) present in all cases of Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE)?
- yes
Once ANA bind with the nuclear antigens in the circulation, what are they called?
1 - antibody complex
2 - immune mediated complexes
3 - antigen-antibody complexes
4 - B cell complexes
3 - antigen-antibody complexes
- these complexes can get stuck in blood vessels or any tissues
Antigen-antibody complexes can travel around the body and get stuck in blood vessels or any tissues. Once lodged in some tissues, what do these complexes cause?
1 - local inflammatory reaction
2 - complement pathway activation
3 - cells become damaged and undergo apoptosis
4 - all of the above
4 - all of the above
Which of the following have been identified as triggers for Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE)?
1 - smoking
2 - UV radiation
3 - genetic susceptibility
4 - microorganisms (virus, bacteria)
5 - medications
6 - sex hormones (estrogen specifically)
7 - all of the above
7 - all of the above
Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can affect any tissue in the body. What is the prevalence of SLE?
1 - 1-10 / 100,000
2 - 10-20 / 100,000
3 - 6-31 / 100,000
4 - 30-60 / 100,000
3 - 6-31 / 100,000
Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can affect any tissue in the body. Which of the following have a higher risk of developing SLE?
1 - europeans
2 - asians
3 - native americans
4 - african-caribbean
4 - african-caribbean
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) which is a form of connective tissue disease, is an autoimmune disease that is a type III hypersensitivity. Antigen-immune complexes form and form clumps throughout the body leading to tissue damage and inflammation. What age does this generally occur?
1 - 15-25 y/o
2 - 15-30 y/o
3 - 15-40 y/o
4 - >40 y/o
3 - 15-40 y/o
- the mean age is 49
Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can affect any tissue in the body. Does SLE affect men or women more?
- women
- women of child bearing age
- estrogen is strongly linked with this
In addition to creating anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) against nuclear contents. In systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) patients also develop antibodies against other cells and molecules, such as what?
1 - WBCs
2 - phospholipids
3 - RBCs
4 - all of the above
4 - all of the above
- these are type II hypersensitivity reactions
- IgG mediated cytotoxic
Which of the following is NOT part of the classic presentation of Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE)?
1 - fever with fatigue
2 - rash
3 - palpitations
4 - joint pain
5 - weight loss
3 - palpitations
- all the other symptoms in a women of child bearing age is the classical presentation
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can cause damage and inflammation to any tissue in the body, but generally connective tissue (blood vessels, cartilage, skin, heart, kidney, lungs) and is a type III hypersensitivity. What other common syndrome can often be caused by SLE due to antibodies?
1 - kallman syndrome
2 - antiphospholipid syndrome
3 - vasculitis
4 - metabolic syndrome
2 - antiphospholipid syndrome
- antibodies target phospholipids and proteins in cell membranes
- classed as a type II hypersensitivity
Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) can be elevated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Does ANA have a high sensitivity and specificity for SLE?
- no
- ANA can be raised in other immune disorder
- HIGH sensitivity
- LOW specificity
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can cause damage and inflammation to any tissue in the body, but generally connective tissue (blood vessels, cartilage, skin, heart, kidney, lungs) and is a type III hypersensitivity. What are the 2 SLE specific antibodies that are commonly present other than anti-nuclear antibodies?
1 - ANA and anti-Smith
2 - ANA and dsDNA
3 - dsDNA and anti-Smith
4 - dsDNA and anti-CCP
3 - dsDNA and anti-Smith (nuclear protein)
Anti-double stranded DNA antibodies (dsDNA) are used to try and diagnose Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Is ANA or dsDNA more specific to SLE?
- dsDNA is better
- ANA can be raised in a number of autoimmune disorders
Are anti-smith antibodies or ANA more specific to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?
anti-smith antibodies
- ANA can be raised in a number of autoimmune disorders
A diagnostic test to try and diagnose systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is C3 and C4 of the complement pathway which are active in SLE. In the test, would we expect to see raised or decreased levels of C3 and C4 in active SLE?
- reduced
- C3 and C4 is being used to promote an inflammatory reaction so levels appear low
- in remission C3 and C4 levels will return to normal
Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can cause damage and inflammation to any tissue in the body, but generally connective tissue (blood vessels, cartilage, skin, heart, kidney, lungs) and is a type III hypersensitivity. What 2 inflammatory markers are commonly elevated in SLE?
1 - ESR and IL-6
2 - ESR and CRP
3 - creatine kinase and ESR
4 - creatine kinase and CRP
2 - ESR and CRP
- THINK SLE if a patient high high ESR but normal CRP
- ESR is low as the proteins and inflammatory markers stick to RBCs and mean they fall faster and therefore lower ESR
Although there are lots of tests that can be performed in an attempt to diagnose SLE, typically which 3 of the following are most specific to systemic lupus erythematous (SLE)?
1 - ESR
2 - low C3 and C4
3 - CRP
4 - anti smith
5 - anti dsDNA
6 - ANA
1 - ESR
2 - low C3 and C4
5 - anti dsDNA
Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can cause damage and inflammation to any tissue in the body, but generally connective tissue (blood vessels, cartilage, skin, heart, kidney, lungs) and is a type III hypersensitivity. Why would we want to do a FBC in SLE?
1 - damage to tissues could increase RBC number
2 - systemic inflammation can reduce WBC number
3 - anaemia of chronic disease
4 - bone marrow suppression
3 - anaemia of chronic disease
Can be caused by:
- damaged kidney producing less erythropoietin
- auto-antibodies targeting RBCs
- blood loss in GIT
- steroid effects
Diagnosing Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) can be difficult. Typically the 11 point criteria set out in the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Classification is used. How many of the 11 criteria are required?
1 - >2
2 - >4
3 - >7
4 - >10
2 - >4
- also need at least 1 of the laboratory criteria
Which of the following is NOT common in patients with Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE)?
1 - malar/butterfly rash on the face (after sun exposure)
2 - discoid rash (plaque like that can scar)
3 - non-scarring alopecia/ photosensitivity (lasts days)
4 - dermatitis herpetiformis
4 - dermatitis herpetiformis
- can occur in coeliac disease
- the others are the 1st 3 of the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Classification
Which of the following is NOT common in patients with Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE)?
1 - oral/nasal on mucus membranes
2 - lymphadenopathy
3 - serositis (inflammation of serosa of organs, i.e. pericarditis and pleuritis)
4 - synovitis (inflammation of >2 joints)
5 - urinalysis (raised protein or red cell casts)
2 - lymphadenopathy
- the others are the 4-7 of the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Classification
Which of the following is NOT common in patients with Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE)?
1 - hypoalbuminemia
2 - neurological disorders (seizures and psychosis)
3 - haematological anaemia
4 - leucopenia
5 - thrombocytopenia
1 - hypoalbuminemia
- the others are the 8-10 of the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Classification
Are anti-smith antibodies or ANA more specific to systemic lupus erythematous (SLE)?
anti-smith antibodies
When managing a patient with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) we should try to identify triggers and reduce their risk such as sun exposure. Which class of medication is not typically used in the maintenance of SLE?
1 - NSAIDs
2 - immunosupressants
3 - glucocorticoids
4 - antimalarials
3 - glucocorticoids
- NSAIDs only if no renal disease
- antimalarials = hydroxychloroquine is the most commonly used medication
- hydroxychloroquine = inhibits TLR and reduces immunomodulators effects
When managing a patient with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) we should try to identify triggers and reduce their risk such as sun exposure. Which 2 of the following of medications is typically used in a mild flare up of SLE?
1 - NSAIDs
2 - Azathioprine, Methotrexate or Mycophenolate
3 - prednisolone
4 - hydroxychloroquine
3 - prednisolone
- given at a low dose
4 - hydroxychloroquine
