Term
| What is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)? |
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Definition
| Systemic autoimmune, possibly genetic, inflammatory disease that leads to destruction of healthy tissues/organs. Any, or all, tissues and organs can be affected. |
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Term
| Gender considerations for SLE? |
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Definition
| Primarily affects young women of childbearing age (15-45). |
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Term
| What is the "cure" for SLE? |
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Definition
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Term
| Ethnic considerations for SLE: More prevalent in whites or non-whites? |
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Definition
| Non-whites. Compared to whites: Blacks 3X; Caribbean blacks 5X; Asians 2X; Hispanics > whites. Blacks and Hispanics have more severe disease and worse prognosis than whites. |
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Term
| Constitutional manifestations of SLE? |
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Definition
| Fatigue; Fever; lymphadenopathy; Generalized arthralgias and myalgias. |
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Term
| Oral manifestations of SLE? |
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Definition
| Oral ulcerations, usually on tongue or palate. |
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Term
| Skin manifestations of SLE? |
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Definition
| Malar (butterfly) rash; Discoid lesions (permanent scarring and disfigurement); alopecia (hair loss); Photosensitivity. |
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Term
| Musculoskeletal manifestations of SLE? |
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Definition
| Arthralgias and inflammatory arthritis, usually non-erosive, very common (>75%). |
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Term
| Cardiopulmonary manifestations of SLE? |
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Definition
| Pericarditis and pleuritis very common (>60%); Valvular thickening; Non-infective endocarditis; Myocarditis; Pulmonary hemorrhage (is rare, though); Premature CVD. |
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Term
| Renal manifestations of SLE? |
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Definition
| Nephritis (a major cause of morbidity and mortality). |
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Term
| Describe the malar rash of SLE. |
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Definition
| Fixed erythema, flat or raised, is observed over the malar eminences, tending to spare the nasolabial folds. |
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Term
| Neuropsychiatric manifestations of SLE? |
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Definition
| Sensorimotor neuropathy; Headache; Cognitive dysfunction; Anxiety; Psychosis; Cerebrovascular vasculitis (which can be life-threatening); Transverse myelopathy. |
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Term
| Hematologic manifestations of SLE? |
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Definition
| Leukopenia (primarily lymphopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia) very common; Antiphospholipid and anticardiolipin antibodies which can lead to thrombosis, thrombocyopenia, and recurrent spontaneous miscarriages. |
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Term
| Vascular manifestations of SLE? |
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Definition
| Raynaud phenomenon; PEs and DVTs; Vasculitis. |
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Term
| Occular manifestations of SLE? |
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Definition
| Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva). The "sicca" indicates that the inflammation is secondary to dryness in these tissues. |
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Term
| What is treatment for SLE? |
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Definition
| 1:Education; Reducing inflammation with glucocorticoids; Immunosuppression with glucocorticoids and other immunosuppressive agents. |
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Term
| Pregnancy considerations with SLE? |
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Definition
| Higher rates of miscarriage, stillbirth, and preterm delivery. Pregancy itself can initiate a flare. Lupus antibodies can cross to fetus (rare). |
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