Systemic lupus erythmatosus

Question 1

What is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?

Answer 1

An inflammatory, autoimmune connective tissue disorder

SLE is characterized by a wide range of symptoms affecting multiple systems in the body.

Question 2

What are the features of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?

Answer 2

Hair loss, photosensitive malar butterfly rash, lymphadenopathy, shortness of breath, splenomegaly, arthralgia, myalgia, Reynaud’s phenomenon

These features reflect the diverse manifestations of the disease.

Question 3

What are some investigations for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?

Answer 3

FBC, C3 & C4 complement, CRP & ESR, Urinalysis + renal biopsy, ANA, anti-dsDNA

Each investigation serves to assess disease activity and organ involvement.

Question 4

What is useful to monitor the disease in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?

Answer 4

C3 & C4, will be low during active disease

Monitoring these complement levels helps in assessing disease activity.

Question 5

What are some complications of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?

Answer 5

CVD, infection from immunosuppression, anaemia of chronic disease, pericarditis, lupus nephritis, recurrent miscarriage / VTE

These complications can significantly impact the patient’s health and quality of life.

Question 6

What is the management for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?

Answer 6

NSAIDs, Steroids, Hydroxychloroquine, MTX

Different treatments are used based on the severity of the disease.

Question 7

What are the skin disorders associated with SLE?

Answer 7

Photosensitive, malar butterfly rash, alopecia, livedo reticularis and discoid lupus erythematosus

These skin disorders are common manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which is an autoimmune disease.

Question 8

What can DLE progress into?

Answer 8

Squamous cell carcinoma

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) can lead to more serious skin conditions if not monitored and treated properly.

Question 9

Which patients is DLE more common in?

Answer 9

Young, African women

Demographics play a significant role in the prevalence of discoid lupus erythematosus.

Question 10

What drugs may cause Lupus?

What investigation will confirm this?

Answer 10

Isoniazid
Procainamide
Phenytoin
Hydralazine

PRESENCE OF ANTI-HISTONE ANTIBODIES

Question 11

What may trigger flares of SLE?

Answer 11

Oestrogen exposure (e.g. pregnancy, the combined oral contraceptive pill)
Infections
Emotional stress
Physical stress e.g. surgery, injury
Excessive ultraviolet light exposure