8 Questions
What is the approximate prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) worldwide?
1 in 2,000 people
What is the primary mechanism of tissue damage in SLE?
Immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues
Which of the following is NOT a clinical feature of SLE?
Gastrointestinal symptoms
What is the female-to-male ratio of SLE prevalence?
9:1
Which of the following is a diagnostic criterion for SLE?
Malar rash
What is the role of cytokines in SLE?
Promoting inflammation
Which of the following is a common hematological feature of SLE?
Anemia
How many of the 11 diagnostic criteria must be present to diagnose SLE?
At least 4
Study Notes
Definition and Epidemiology
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs and systems.
- It is characterized by the production of autoantibodies against nuclear and cytoplasmic antigens.
- SLE affects approximately 1 in 2,000 people worldwide, with a higher prevalence in women (9:1 female-to-male ratio) and certain ethnic groups (African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians).
Pathophysiology
- The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to inflammation and damage to organs such as the skin, joints, kidneys, and nervous system.
- Autoantibodies against double-stranded DNA, histones, and other nuclear antigens contribute to the disease process.
- Cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-1β, play a role in promoting inflammation and tissue damage.
Clinical Features
- Mucocutaneous: butterfly rash (malar rash), discoid lupus, oral ulcers, and photosensitivity
- Musculoskeletal: arthritis, arthralgia, and myalgia
- Renal: glomerulonephritis, proteinuria, and nephrotic syndrome
- Neurological: seizures, psychosis, and peripheral neuropathy
- Cardiovascular: pericarditis, myocarditis, and premature atherosclerosis
- Hematological: anemia, leukopenia, lymphopenia, and thrombocytopenia
Diagnosis
-
Diagnostic criteria: at least 4 of the following 11 criteria:
- Malar rash
- Discoid rash
- Photosensitivity
- Oral ulcers
- Arthritis
- Serositis (pleuritis or pericarditis)
- Renal disorder (proteinuria or cellular casts)
- Neurological disorder (seizures, psychosis, or mononeuropathy)
- Hematological disorder (anemia, leukopenia, lymphopenia, or thrombocytopenia)
- Immunological disorder (anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm, or antiphospholipid antibodies)
- Antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity
- Laboratory tests: complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ANA, anti-dsDNA, and complement levels
Treatment and Management
- Medications: NSAIDs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants (e.g., hydroxychloroquine, azathioprine), and biologics (e.g., belimumab)
- Lifestyle modifications: sun protection, stress management, and regular exercise
- Monitoring: regular check-ups, laboratory tests, and disease activity scores (e.g., SLEDAI)
Definition and Epidemiology
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs and systems.
- SLE is characterized by the production of autoantibodies against nuclear and cytoplasmic antigens.
- The disease affects approximately 1 in 2,000 people worldwide.
- SLE has a higher prevalence in women (9:1 female-to-male ratio) and certain ethnic groups (African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians).
Pathophysiology
- The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to inflammation and damage to organs.
- Autoantibodies against double-stranded DNA, histones, and other nuclear antigens contribute to the disease process.
- Cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-1β, play a role in promoting inflammation and tissue damage.
Clinical Features
- Mucocutaneous manifestations include butterfly rash, discoid lupus, oral ulcers, and photosensitivity.
- Musculoskeletal manifestations include arthritis, arthralgia, and myalgia.
- Renal manifestations include glomerulonephritis, proteinuria, and nephrotic syndrome.
- Neurological manifestations include seizures, psychosis, and peripheral neuropathy.
- Cardiovascular manifestations include pericarditis, myocarditis, and premature atherosclerosis.
- Hematological manifestations include anemia, leukopenia, lymphopenia, and thrombocytopenia.
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis is based on at least 4 of the 11 criteria, including malar rash, discoid rash, photosensitivity, and more.
- Laboratory tests include complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ANA, anti-dsDNA, and complement levels.
Treatment and Management
- Medications used to treat SLE include NSAIDs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics.
- Lifestyle modifications include sun protection, stress management, and regular exercise.
- Regular monitoring is necessary, including check-ups, laboratory tests, and disease activity scores (e.g., SLEDAI).
Learn about the definition, epidemiology, and pathophysiology of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs and systems.
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