Systemic Lupus Erythemotosus (SLE)

Question 1

What is SLE?

Answer 1

• Chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of connective tissue. 90% of cases are women, etiology is unknown.

Question 2

Clinical presentation?

Answer 2

• Malar rash (butterfly rash)
• Photosensitivity
• Arthritis
• Oral ulcers
• Serositis
• Renal involvement
• Neurological disorders

Question 3

Lab investigation?

Answer 3

• Blood test:
- CBC
- Autoantibody test
- Serum creatinine
- Liver function test
- Complement level test
- Creatine kinase (CK)
• Imaging:
- Joint radiography
- Chest radiography and chest CT scanning
- ECG
- MRI
- Cardiac MRI

Question 4

Differential diagnosis?

Answer 4

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus nephritis
• Pericarditis

Question 5

Treatment:

Answer 5

• There is no cure for SLE, but symptoms can be treated with medicines that reduces inflammation in your body.
- NSAIDs used to treat arthritis and pleurisy
- Corticosteroids
- Hydroxychloroquine to treat skin and joint involvement