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Questions and Answers
What is the primary characteristic of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?
Which of the following is a risk factor for developing SLE?
What is a common symptom of SLE?
Which of the following laboratory tests is used to diagnose SLE?
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What is the goal of treatment for SLE?
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What is a complication of SLE?
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What type of medication is used to treat SLE?
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What is a recommended lifestyle modification for SLE?
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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)
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Description
Learn about Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organ systems. Explore its causes, risk factors, and characteristics.
