Scribd
Upload
16 views3 pages

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder primarily affecting women, characterized by multisystem inflammation and a range of clinical symptoms. The exact cause is unknown, but it involves genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors, with various triggers such as UV exposure and certain medications. Diagnosis involves laboratory tests and imaging, while treatment includes protective measures, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, antimalarials, immunosuppressants, and biologic DMARDs.

Uploaded by

dr.venom1907
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
16 views3 pages

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder primarily affecting women, characterized by multisystem inflammation and a range of clinical symptoms. The exact cause is unknown, but it involves genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors, with various triggers such as UV exposure and certain medications. Diagnosis involves laboratory tests and imaging, while treatment includes protective measures, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, antimalarials, immunosuppressants, and biologic DMARDs.

Uploaded by

dr.venom1907
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by antibodies to

nuclear and cytoplasmic antigens, multisystem inflammation, protean clinical manifestations, and a
relapsing and remitting course. More than 90% of cases of SLE occur in women, frequently starting at
childbearing age. The fact that the disease is seen in young women indicates that hormonal factors
are important in the development of the disease.

* There is an increase in B lymphocyte activity in patients.

* There is a decrease in the number of T helper and T suppressor lymphocytes. There is also a
deterioration in the functions of T lymphocytes. As a result, immune complexes are slowly cleared
from the circulation. That's why SLE is considered an immunocomplex disease.

Causes:

The cause of lupus is unknown, as well as what drives its diverse presentation. We know that
multiple factors are required, including: the “right” genetic makeup, environmental exposures and
organ specific characteristics. People with lupus may also have an impaired process for clearing old
and damaged cells from the body, which in turn provides continuous stimuli to the immune system
and leads to abnormal immune response.Some potential triggers include:

* Ultraviolet ray

* Smoking

* Silica exposure

* Medications. Lupus can be triggered by certain types of blood pressure medications, anti-seizure
medications and antibiotics.

Risk Factors :

*HLA DR3 ve C4A geni taşıyanlar

*Bacterial and viral infections—Epstein-Barr virus has been linked to SLE

*Sex: Lupus is more common in women.

*Age: Although lupus affects people of all ages, it's most often diagnosed between the ages of 15 and
45.

*Race: Lupus is more common in African Americans, Hispanics and Asian Americans.

*Being around tobacco smoke, too much sunlight, or chemicals

Signs and Symptoms:

* General symptoms and signs: Arthralgia and myalgia (95%). There may be weakness, fatigue, fever
and weight loss.

* Skin findings:

-Acute cutaneous lupus: The most common form is photosensitivity.

-Subacute cutaneous lupus: Anti-Ro (SS-A) antibodies are positive in most patients.

-Chronic cutaneous lupus: Causes permanent loss of all skin appendages, including hair.
* Hematological system findings:

-The most common finding is normochrome normocytic anemia.

-Follicular hyperplasia is usually detected in lymph node biopsy.

* Respiratory system findings:

-Pleuritis is the most common involvement (pleural effusion may accompany)

-Acute lupus pneumonia, lung bleeding, lung fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension can be seen.

* Circulatory system findings:

-Pericarditis: It is the most common heart lesion.

-Endocarditis: Libman Sacks endocarditis is a typical involvement. Most often, mitral valve
involvement causes mitral insufficiency.

-Thrombophlebitis: It is more common in those who develop antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.

* Gastrointestinal involvement:

-The most serious involvement is mesenteric vasculitis. There may be abdominal pain, pancreatitis,
increase in liver enzymes.

* Eye involvement:

- Keratoconjunctivitis sikka (secondary sjogren) and episcleritis, subconjunctival hemorrhage, optic


neuritis, central retinal artery occlusion.

Diagnosis:

* Testing

Laboratory studies used in the diagnosis of SLE are as follows:

-CBC with differential

Serum creatinine

-Urinalysis with microscopy

-ESR or CRP level

-Complement levels

-Liver function tests

-Creatine kinase assay

-Spot protein / spot creatinine ratio

-Autoantibody tests

* Imaging studies

The following imaging studies may be used to evaluate patients with storage SLE:

-Joint radiography
-Chest radiography and chest CT scanning

-Echocardiography

-Brain MRI / MRA

-Cardiac MRI

* Procedures

Procedures that may be performed in patients with SLE include the following:

-Arthrocentesis

-Lumbar puncture

-Renal biopsy

Treatment:

* Protective measures:

Patients are advised to avoid sun exposure and oral contraceptives.

- Precautions for osteoporosis should be taken in patients using steroids for a long time, and
bisphosphonate therapy should be started if necessary.

- Live virus vaccines should be avoided.

* Pharmacotherapy:

-NSAID (eg, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac): Used in cases of mild serositis, arthritis, arthralgia,
fever.

-Corticosteroids (eg, methylprednisolone, prednisone): It is preferred in acute exacerbation, severe


illness and active patients.

-Antimalarial drugs (eg. Chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine and quinacrine): Basic drug. It is effective
on skin rashes and joint findings. The most important side effects are retinal toxicity.

- Immunosuppressive therapy: Cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine and


cycloporin A are used.

-Biologic DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs): Belimumab, rituximab): It prevents B cell


proliferation with its anti-CD20 activity.

You might also like