Auto-immune Flashcards
Lupus
Disorder of connective tissues
Hypersensitivity
Overall big problems that Lupus can cause
Arthritis Rash Pericarditis, pleuritis, peritonitis Anemia of chronic dz Kidney dz (glomerulonephritis) Seizures, HA Joint pain Fever Mouth ulcers Hair loss
Triad of Lupus
Fever
Rash (“malar butterfly” rash)
Joint pain
Constitutional (very general) sx of Lupus
Fever
Chills
Fatigue
Night sweats
(sounds like flu)
Discoid Lupus
Annular, red patches on face and scalp
Heal with scarring
Diagnosis of Lupus
which antibodies are pathognomic?
Anti dsDNA, Anti-Smith
Why are increased levels of Antiphospholipid antibodies a problem with Lupus?
increased risk of Arterial and Venous clot
Risk factors for Lupus
Young female
African American, Hispanic
Sun exposure
Estrogen therapy (birth control)
Mild Lupus tx
If not that bad, can use NSAIDs alone
Mild Lupus tx (part 2)
Hydroxychloroquine +/- NSAIDs +/- Short term low dose Steroids
Moderate Lupus tx (significant but non-organ threatening)
Hydroxychloroq or just plain Chloroq +/- Short term Steroid
Severe Lupus tx
High dose Steroid or Intermittent IV Pulse Methylprednisone + an Immunosupp
Examples of Immunosupp agents to treat Severe Lupus
Cyclophosphamide
Mycophenolate
Rituximab
Drug spec for Lupus involving SKIN or MSK that’s not responding to steroids
Belimumab
