Ayo Flashcards
(49 cards)
What is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?
A condition where damage to organs or tissues results from the presence of autoantibodies or autoreactive cells.
List some examples of autoimmune diseases.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases
- Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Goodpasture Syndrome
- Addison’s disease
- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
- Crohn’s disease
- Scleroderma
- Sjögren syndrome
What are the two categories of Self Tolerance?
- Central Tolerance
- Peripheral Tolerance
What does Central Tolerance pertain to?
The destruction of self-reactive T cells in the thymus and B cells in the bone marrow.
What happens when there is a breakdown of Peripheral Tolerance?
T cells tend not to destroy antigens but instead attack self-antigens.
Define ‘Horror Autotoxicus’.
Fear of self-poisoning, describing the immune system’s potential to attack its own tissues.
What is Molecular Mimicry?
A phenomenon where microbial agents contain antigens that resemble self-antigens, leading to an immune response against both.
What can trigger the release of sequestered antigens?
Physical trauma that introduces hidden antigens into general circulation.
What is Polyclonal B-cell activation?
A process where continuous activation leads to the production of B cells and can contribute to autoimmunity.
What environmental factors are associated with SLE?
- UV exposure
- Certain medications (e.g., Hydralazine, Isoniazid)
- Estrogen-containing contraceptives
What are common clinical signs and symptoms of SLE?
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Malaise
- Fever
- Anorexia
- Joint involvement
- Erythematous rash (malar rash)
What criteria must be met for a clinical diagnosis of SLE?
- Malar rash
- Discoid rash
- Photosensitivity
- Oral ulcers
- Arthritis
- Serositis
- Renal disorders
- Neurological disorders
- Hematologic disorders
- Immunologic disorders
- Presence of antinuclear antibody
What is the significance of LE cells in SLE?
LE cells are neutrophils that have engulfed the antibody-coated nucleus of another neutrophil, serving as a diagnostic clue.
What is the most common test for diagnosing SLE?
Fluorescent antinuclear antibody testing (FANA).
What characterizes Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
A chronic, symmetric, and erosive arthritis of peripheral joints that can affect multiple organs.
What are key symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- Morning stiffness
- Swelling of soft tissue around joints
- Symmetric arthritis
- Subcutaneous nodules
- Positive rheumatoid factor (RF)
What is the predominant antibody tested for in RA diagnosis?
Rheumatoid factor (RF), which is often an IgM directed against the Fc portion of IgG.
What are Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS)?
- Methotrexate
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Sulfasalazine
- Leflunomide
- Penicillamine
What is the primary function of the thyroid gland?
To regulate metabolism and is located in the anterior region of the neck.
What is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis associated with?
Hypothyroidism, thyroid enlargement, and the presence of autoantibodies.
Fill in the blank: Autoimmune diseases result from the presence of _______.
autoantibodies or autoreactive cells.
What is the normal size range of the thyroid gland?
Between 12 and 20 grams
What are the units called that make up the thyroid gland?
Follicles
What fills the follicles in the thyroid gland?
Colloid
