Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Overview

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is also known as lupus, is a form of chronic autoimmune disease. Autoantibodies are made agianst a variety of autoantigens (eg ANA) which form immune complexes. Inadequate clearance of immune complexes results in tissue inflammation dan damage. Women is at higher risk to develop SLE and can cause various complications due to its multi-systemic involvement.

Signs and Symptoms

Severe fatigue, Fever, Joint pain, Joint swelling, Headaches, Rash on the cheeks and nose which is called a "butterfly rash”, Hair loss, Anemia, Blood-clotting problems, Hematuria,

Common Causes

Genetic susceptibility and environmental stimuli (drugs, UV rays, infection) gives rise to autoimmune hyperresponsiveness

Risk Factors

Women , Ages of 15 and 44 , Race/ethnicity, Exposure to estrogen- containing OCP and hormone replacement therapy, Photosensitivity issues, Exposure to silica dust, Cigarette smoking, Low birth weight, Preterm infant

Investigation Techniques

Antinuclear antibody (ANA), Full blood count, Chest x-ray, Serum creatinine, Urinalysis, Complement components (C3 and C4), Antibodies to double-stranded DNA, Rheumatoid factor, ESR and CRP, Antiphospholipid antibodies, Lupus anticoagulant test, Liver function test

Treatment and Prevention

Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), Analgesic, Corticosteroids (Prednisolone), Disease modifying drugs (Hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate), Immunosuppressive medicines (azathioprine cyclosporine, MMF), Warfarin

Psychological Issues

Psychosis and seizure disorder in the abscence of provoking drugs or metabolic derangement