Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Management

<p>40 to 60 mg per day (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Improved adrenal hormone production. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Decreasing the activity of B lymphocytes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Consuming a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Increased stress. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>High-dose IV corticosteroids and cytotoxic therapy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Patients using corticosteroids are at risk for osteoporosis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To provide comprehensive care that includes nutrition and exercise plans (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Anti-DNA antibody testing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Supportive care with minimal therapy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mild proteinuria and hematuria (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They help manage stress for patients and caregivers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To assess the severity of renal lesions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>End-stage renal disease (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Thrombocytopenia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cardiologists (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Effective SLE management involves collaboration between patients and healthcare team members, including nurses, dietitians, physical therapists, and counselors, based on patient severity, to develop individualized plans.

Diagnosing SLE is challenging due to diverse organ involvement and symptoms, needing a patient's history, physical assessment, and lab results.

Blood test for lupus; these antibodies are often found only in SLE.

Blood test used to assess inflammation; in SLE it's usually elevated.

Blood test that measures serum complement levels, often decreased in SLE due to complex formation.

Complete blood count abnormalities (CBC) in SLE could include anemia, low white blood cells, low lymphocytes, and possible low platelets.

Mild or intermittent SLE patients may require minimal to no specific treatment other than supportive care.

Kidney inflammation associated with SLE can progress to end-stage renal disease.

Tests (e.g., serum creatinine, BUN) used to evaluate kidney function, important for assessing SLE kidney damage.

Procedure to analyze kidney tissue for SLE-related damage and guide treatment decisions.

Managing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) often involves medication like aspirin, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and hydroxychloroquine to treat symptoms and prevent complications like thrombosis and organ damage.

Aspirin, due to its antiplatelet effects, is beneficial in SLE patients by preventing thrombosis, but high doses may cause liver issues.

Low-dose corticosteroids (like prednisone) can help mild SLE, but high doses are needed for severe cases, potentially causing side effects like weight gain and osteoporosis.

Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) treats skin and arthritic SLE symptoms and reduces acute SLE episodes. Careful monitoring for retinal toxicity is crucial.

Prolonged oral corticosteroid use can lead to elevated eye pressure, edema, psychological effects, weight gain and cataracts, diabetes, infections, osteoporosis, and adrenal suppression.

Severe SLE cases may require high-dose intravenous corticosteroids and cytotoxic therapy for managing life-threatening complications like severe neurological involvement or glomerulonephritis.

Belimumab is an FDA-approved treatment for active SLE that works by reducing B lymphocyte activity, thereby lowering the autoimmune process.

Immunosuppressant use increases risks of infection, malignancy, bone marrow depression, or drug-specific toxicities.

Smoking exacerbates cardiovascular problems linked to SLE and increases susceptibility to infections, particularly in the lungs.

A healthy diet including oily fish (omega-3s) and avoiding herbal/vitamin supplements without consultation is recommended; some supplements can worsen SLE flare-ups.