Painful rash class 6512 latest 2025.
what is SLE
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an inflammatory autoimmune
connective tissue disorder
,“systemic” because it affects multiple organs and systems.
“Erythematosus” refers to the typical red malar rash across the face.
who is affected by SLE
Women
Asian, African, Caribbean and Hispanic ethnicity
Young to middle-aged adults
course of SLE
relapsing-remitting course, with flares of worse symptoms and periods where
symptoms settle.
chronic inflammation means SLE can shorten life expectancy (although this is
mitigated with effective management).
What is anti-Sm?
Anti-Sm (highly specific to SLE but not very sensitive)
what is anti-centromere abs
(most associated with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis)
what is anti Ro and anti La
(most associated with Sjögren’s syndrome)
what is anti-scl-70
systemic sclerosis
what is anti-jo-1
most associated with dermatomyositis
, what else occurs in SLE
Antiphospholipid antibodies and antiphospholipid syndrome can occur
secondary to SLE in up to 40% of patients.
INC RISK OF VTE
what if ANA is positivie
measuring the levels of the extractable nuclear antigens (ENA).
Observing the immunofluorescence pattern
A negative ANA almost certainly excludes SLE.
diagnostic criteria of SLE
The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) / American College of
Rheumatology(ACR) criteria (2019)
CV complication of SLE
cause of death
Chronic inflammation in blood vessels leads to
how does SLE cause infection
both from the disease process and secondary to immunosuppressant drugs.
how does sle cause anaemia
anaemia of chronic disease, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, bone marrow
suppression by medications or kidney disease.
SLE other blood changes
leucopenia (low white cells), neutropenia (low neutrophils)
and thrombocytopenia (low platelets).
what does sle do to the heart
Pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardial sac surrounding the heart) causes
sharp chest pain that gets worse on lying flat.