SLE Flashcards
(17 cards)
Define SLE
SLE is a chronic, systemic & inflammatory disease that is characterized by auto-antibodies & immune complex deposition in multiple target organs.
What is the female to male ratio of SLE worldwide?
7-15 : 1
Risk factors of SLE
Hormonal factors
Infections (EBV)
Nutritional factors
Genetics
Environmental contaminants
Smoking/Drugs
Mnemonic: HINGES
Pathogenesis of SLE
๐Defective Clearance of apoptotic cells
๐Loss of T-cell Clearance
๐Defective T-regs
๐Loss of B-cell Clearance
๐Production of auto-antibodies
๐Auto-antibodies bind to self antigens forming immune complexes that activate complement
What are the clinical features of SLE?
What are the Clinical features of SLE?
Fatigue
Weight loss
Recurrent Fever
Lymphadenopathy
Joint deformity
Arthritis
Myalgia
Discoid rash- Scaring Alopecia
Malar rash
Oral ulcers
Non-Scaring Alopecia
Nephritis
Proteinuria
Carotid artery disease
Raynaudโs Phenomenon
What is Raynaudโs Phenomenon?
It is an exaggerated vascular response to
cold temperature or emotional stress.
Areas if the body i.e fingers & toes feel numb & cold in response to cold temperature/emotional stress.
What antibodies are responsible for Neonatal Lupus?
Anti-SSA
Anti-SSB
What are the clinical features of Neonatal Lupus?
Congenital Heart Block
Hepatosplenomegaly
Skin Lesions
Positive anti-histone antibodies are indicative of what type of lupus?
Drug induced Lupus
What systems are rarely involved in Drug induced Lupus?
CNS
Skin
Kidneys
What Serological investigation is specific for SLE?
Anti double stranded DNA
What other serological investigation is specific for SLE (other than anti-dsDNA)?
Anti-Sm
Other than serological tests, what other investigations are done in SLE?
FBC
ESR (usually elevated)
CRP (Low/Normal)
E/U/CR, Urinalysis, PR/CR ratio
Liver function tests
Renal biopsy
What are the non-pharmacological treatments of SLE?
Rest
Avoid exposure to UV light
Discourage use of Oestrogen pills
Stop Smoking
What are the Pharmacological treatments of Mild SLE?
Low dose Steroids
Hydroxychloroquine
NSAIDS for pain
Aspirin
Vit D
Omeptazole
Sunscreen
What are the Pharmacological treatments of Moderate to Severe SLE?
High dose Steroids
Immunosuppressives (Cyclophosphamide, Cyclosporine, Rituximab, Tacrolimus)
