All::Rheumatology::Diseases::Systemic lupus erythematosus
Intro
What are the general features of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?
Fatigue, fever, mouth ulcers, and lymphadenopathy.
What are the skin manifestations of SLE?
Malar (butterfly) rash (spares nasolabial folds), discoid rash (scaly, erythematous, well-demarcated, in sun-exposed areas), photosensitivity, Raynaud's phenomenon, livedo reticularis, and non-scarring alopecia.
What musculoskeletal symptoms can occur in SLE?
Arthralgia and non-erosive arthritis.
What are the cardiovascular manifestations of SLE?
Pericarditis (most common), myocarditis.
What respiratory symptoms are associated with SLE?
Pleurisy and fibrosing alveolitis.
What renal complications can arise in SLE?
Proteinuria and glomerulonephritis (with diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis being the most common type).
What neuropsychiatric symptoms may occur in SLE?
Anxiety, depression, psychosis, and seizures.
What antibodies are commonly positive in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?
ANA (99% positive), anti-dsDNA (70% sensitive, >99% specific), anti-Smith, anti-U1 RNP, SS-A, and SS-B.
How is ANA used in the diagnosis of SLE?
Highly sensitive (99%), useful rule-out test, but low specificity.
What markers are monitored in SLE, and what indicates active disease?
ESR (commonly used), CRP (may be normal), low complement levels (C3, C4), and anti-dsDNA titers for disease monitoring.