Western-D.O. of the Immune System Flashcards
Myasthenia Gravis
Muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity & improves after periods of rest. Affects nerve-muscle communication between PNS. Areas affected: muscles that control eyelids, facial expressions, chewing, talking.
Tx: anticholinesterase agents, immunosuppressive drugs (prednisone, cyclosporine, azathioprine).
Multiple Sclerosis
Disorder in which nerves of the eye, brain & spinal cord lose patches of myelin. Affects CNS. Symptoms: numbness, motor, sensory or visual problems, loss of balance, tremors…
Tx: Lioresal (Baclofen), tizanidine (Zanaflex), benzodizepines
Lupus
SLE is the most common, is an autoimmune disease. Damages skin, joints, organs. Symptoms develop slowly or appear suddenly, then mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
Symptoms: achy joints, swelling of hands/feet, fever more than 100 degrees, butterfly-shaped rash (malar rash) across the cheeks & nose, Raynaud’s Disease.
Tests: ANA
Tx: NSAIDS, corticosteroids, anti-malaria drugs
Sjogren’s Syndrome
Immune cells attack & destroy the exocrine glands that produce tears & saliva. Disease occurs by itself or with RA, SLE, Scleroderma or primary biliary cirrhosis.
Symptoms: generalized dryness, dry mouth, eyes, skin, nose, vaginal dryness.
Tests: blood tests ANA, RH factor, Schirmer’s Test (for eye moisture)
Scleroderma
Disease of the connective tissue featuring skin thickening, spontaneous scarring, blood vessel disease, inflammation.
Symptoms: formation of scar tissue in the skin & organs.
Skin Cancer-Basal Cell Carcinoma
Most common form, related to sun exposure, non-metastasizing, grows slowly, located at the basal layer of the epidermis.
Skin Cancer-Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Malignant tumor of the outer epidermis (epithelial cells) more likely to metastasize. Grows quickly.
Skin Cancer-Malignant Melanoma
Tumor of the melanocytes, rapid progressing metastasizing form. May be brown w/ black, red, pink or white.
