30 Questions
What is the estimated overall incidence of SLE per 100,000 people?
1.8 to 7.6
How much more frequently does SLE occur in women compared to men?
4 to 12 times
Which ethnic group experiences SLE more often than White Americans?
African Americans
What type of lupus is mentioned as an alternative to SLE?
Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematous
What is the initial trigger for SLE according to the text?
Inaccurate recognition of cell nucleus components
Which cytokine is overexpressed in SLE and helps B cells to overproduce antibodies?
B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS)
What do the antibodies and antigens form in SLE?
Antigen–antibody complexes
Where do the antigen–antibody complexes have the propensity to get trapped in SLE?
Capillaries of visceral structures
What is thought to be responsible for the majority of the clinical manifestations of SLE?
Antibodies and antigens forming complexes
What is the main effect of the antibodies in SLE?
Destroying host cells
What is the significance of a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test in patients with SLE?
It indicates exceptional specificity for SLE
Which antibody is highly specific to SLE and helps differentiate it from drug-induced lupus?
Anti-ds DNA
What does the development of anti-DNA antibody in SLE indicate?
Vascular involvement
What physical manifestations suggest vascular involvement in SLE?
Papular, erythematous, and purpuric lesions on fingertips and elbows
What does a positive anti-Sm antibody test indicate in SLE?
Specific protein found in the nucleus
What may be detected on physical examination in SLE patients indicating joint involvement?
Joint swelling, tenderness, warmth, pain on movement, stiffness, and edema
What is the significance of abnormal lung sounds in SLE patients?
Respiratory insufficiency
What is indicated by the presence of pleural effusions and infiltrations in SLE?
Respiratory insufficiency
What is the significance of joint involvement in SLE?
Indicates exceptional specificity for SLE
What is the significance of identifying and describing any central nervous system changes in SLE patients?
Indicates exceptional specificity for SLE
Which system is NOT commonly affected by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?
Gastrointestinal
What percentage of SLE patients experience joint pain and swelling?
90%
Which type of skin manifestation is common in SLE patients?
Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus
What is the main characteristic of renal involvement in SLE?
Antibody and immune complex buildup
What is believed to contribute to the immunoregulatory disturbance in SLE?
Genetic, immunologic, hormonal, and environmental factors
What is the role of female sex hormones in the predisposition to SLE?
They increase the risk
Which environmental trigger is implicated in the onset of SLE?
Cigarette smoke
What is the main method for diagnosing SLE?
Complete history and physical examination
What is the characteristic of central nervous system involvement in SLE?
Presents a wide range of neuropsychiatric symptoms
What is the term for the chronic states and acute flares experienced by SLE patients?
Intermittent condition
Study Notes
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and its Manifestations
- SLE is an autoimmune disease affecting any body system, with chronic states and acute flares.
- Symptoms include fever, fatigue, skin rashes, joint pain, and swelling, affecting mucocutaneous, musculoskeletal, renal, nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems.
- Up to 85% of SLE patients experience cutaneous manifestations, such as subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus and discoid rash.
- Joint pain and swelling occur in over 90% of SLE patients, accompanied by morning stiffness.
- Cardiac manifestations, including pericarditis, myocarditis, hypertension, arrhythmias, and valvular incompetence, are common in SLE.
- Renal involvement, known as lupus nephritis, is characterized by antibody and immune complex buildup, leading to damage to the nephrons and potential hypertension.
- Central nervous system involvement presents a wide range of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including psychosis, cognitive impairment, seizures, neuropathies, transverse myelitis, and strokes.
- Diagnosis of SLE is based on a complete history, physical examination, and blood tests, with special focus on skin changes, sensitivity to sunlight, and ulcerations in the mouth and throat.
- Genetic, immunologic, hormonal, and environmental factors are believed to contribute to the immunoregulatory disturbance in SLE.
- Multiple genes are likely implicated in the development of SLE, with most cases being sporadic and unrelated to family medical history.
- Female sex hormones, particularly estrogen, are hypothesized to play a role in the predisposition to SLE.
- Exogenous or environmental triggers, such as cigarette smoke, ultraviolet rays, certain medications, viral infections, emotional stress, and silica dust exposure, are also implicated in the onset of SLE.
Test your knowledge of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and its diverse manifestations with this quiz. Explore the symptoms, diagnostic methods, and factors contributing to this complex autoimmune disease.
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