Question

Ms. A.S., age 31, has been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus. She had her first signs and symptoms 2 years ago. At this time she is having an exacerbation, which includes a facial rash, joint pains, and chest pain. She also has protein in her urine, indicating a kidney abnormality.

1.Explain the basic pathophysiology of this disease.

2.Describe three factors that would assist in making the diagnosis.

3.Describe the typical rash Ms. A.S. would have at this time.

4.Her chest pain is due to inflammation of the pleural membranes. Explain why this pain would be more severe during inspiration.

5.Her dose of prednisone, a glucocorticoid, has been increased. Briefly explain why she will return to a lower dose after the exacerbation ends.

6.Explain why moderate exercise would be helpful.

Answer 1

1, Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease, it is a multiorgan disease. Due to the production of pathogenic autoantibodies, there is a lack of binding of unusual immune responses play an important role in SLE, it causes both tissue injury by inflammatory cytokines and abnormal activation of autoreactive T and B cells, it causes pathogenic autoantibody production and results in end-organ injury.
2, Three factors for making the diagnosis are patient had 2 years ago joint pain, facial rash, chest pain.
3, Sign of the SLE is a butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and bridge of the nose. Due to heat sensitivity (sun UV rays), there will be red spots, flaky, purple rash on different parts of the body, especially on face, neck, and arms.
4, chest pain is due to inflammation or irritation of the lining of the lungs and chest. There will be a sharp pain when you breathe, cough and sneeze, shortness of breath. the pain will be sharp and deep during inspiration due to an abnormal amount of fluid in the pleural space, it causes pleural effusion.