Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary characteristic of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?
What is the primary characteristic of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?
Which of the following is a risk factor for developing SLE?
Which of the following is a risk factor for developing SLE?
What is a common symptom of SLE?
What is a common symptom of SLE?
Which of the following laboratory tests is used to diagnose SLE?
Which of the following laboratory tests is used to diagnose SLE?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the goal of treatment for SLE?
What is the goal of treatment for SLE?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a complication of SLE?
What is a complication of SLE?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of medication is used to treat SLE?
What type of medication is used to treat SLE?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a recommended lifestyle modification for SLE?
What is a recommended lifestyle modification for SLE?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Definition and Classification
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organ systems.
- Classified as a type of rheumatic disease, characterized by inflammation and tissue damage.
Causes and Risk Factors
- The exact cause of SLE is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors.
- Risk factors:
- Female sex
- African, Asian, or Native American ethnicity
- Family history of SLE
- Certain medications (e.g., isoniazid, procainamide)
Symptoms
- Joint pain and swelling (arthritis)
- Skin rashes (butterfly-shaped rash on the face, discoid rash)
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Hair loss
- Mouth sores
- Raynaud's phenomenon
- Kidney inflammation (nephritis)
- Neurological symptoms (seizures, psychosis)
Diagnosis
- Based on a combination of:
- Medical history and physical examination
- Laboratory tests (e.g., complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, antinuclear antibody test)
- Imaging studies (e.g., X-rays, ultrasound)
Treatment and Management
- Goal: manage symptoms, prevent organ damage, and minimize medication side effects
- Medications:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroids
- Immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate)
- Biologics (e.g., belimumab)
- Lifestyle modifications:
- Rest and stress management
- Sun protection
- Healthy diet and exercise
Complications
- Increased risk of:
- Kidney failure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Osteoporosis
- Infections
- Cancer (e.g., lymphoma)
Definition and Classification
- SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting multiple organ systems
- Classified as a type of rheumatic disease, characterized by inflammation and tissue damage
Causes and Risk Factors
- Unknown exact cause, but involves genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors
- Risk factors include:
- Female sex
- African, Asian, or Native American ethnicity
- Family history of SLE
- Certain medications (e.g., isoniazid, procainamide)
Symptoms
- Joint pain and swelling (arthritis)
- Skin rashes:
- Butterfly-shaped rash on the face
- Discoid rash
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Hair loss
- Mouth sores
- Raynaud's phenomenon
- Kidney inflammation (nephritis)
- Neurological symptoms:
- Seizures
- Psychosis
Diagnosis
- Based on:
- Medical history and physical examination
- Laboratory tests:
- Complete blood count
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- Antinuclear antibody test
- Imaging studies:
- X-rays
- Ultrasound
Treatment and Management
- Goal: manage symptoms, prevent organ damage, and minimize medication side effects
- Medications:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroids
- Immunosuppressive drugs:
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Methotrexate
- Biologics:
- Belimumab
- Lifestyle modifications:
- Rest and stress management
- Sun protection
- Healthy diet and exercise
Complications
- Increased risk of:
- Kidney failure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Osteoporosis
- Infections
- Cancer (e.g., lymphoma)
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Learn about Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organ systems. Explore its causes, risk factors, and characteristics.
