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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) - Coggle Diagram
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
SLE is a progressive systemic inflammatory disease, in which the immune system becomes hyperactive and attack the body's own health cells.
DNA becomes damaged and the cell will undergo apoptosis.
Apoptotic bodies are released and the immune system believes these are antigens.
T lymphocytes will trigger the inflammatory response, while B lymphocytes will create autoantibodies in the form of antiphospholipid, anticytoplasmic, and antinuclear antibodies.
Antigen-antibody complex forms and deposits throughout the body via the bloodstream, causing the systemic inflammation.
Although there are no known cures, the goal is to manage the symptoms.
Pharmacological
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce overall inflammation and pain
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to alleviate pain and swelling of the joints
Anti-malarial drugs to treat muscle and joint pains, skin rashes, pericarditis, and pleuritis
BLyS-specific inhibitors to limit the number of B lymphocytes
Anticoagulants to prevent blood clots due to antiphospholipid antibodies
Steroids to decrease inflammation and suppress the immune response
Immunosuppressants to deplete B lymphocytes and prevent more antibodies from forming
Non-pharmacological
Hand hygiene, avoiding sick individuals, and getting flu vaccines to prevent infections
Diet changes- limit salt intake due to water retention, low-fat diet to reduce risk of hyperlipidemia, and well-balanced diet to manage weight
Smoking cessation will restore blood vessel integrity and circulation
Exercising to strengthen bones and muscles
Avoiding direct sunlight to minimize skin rashes from forming
Getting 8 hours of sleep, meditating, and yoga to reduce stress levels
Multi-system alteration in function
Kidneys are unable to filter blood and create urine, leading to water retention and swelling in the face, hands, legs, and feet
Heart cannot pump properly, leading to poor blood flow to the rest of the body and ultimately, tissue death.
Lungs cannot expand fully, leading to impaired air exchange and causing difficulty with breathing
Skin becomes sensitive to light
Headaches, confusion, or mood changes will be common as nerve cells are damaged and the central nervous system cannot transmit signals properly
Clinical manifestations
Joint pain and swelling that limits range of motion
Constant fatigue and tiredness, despite having enough rest
Skin rashes: varies from flat and red to thick, raised, and flaky or crusted due to sunlight exposure.
Butterfly rash that presents across both cheeks and bridge of the nose
Low-grade fever that indicates a flare-up may be impending
Weight changes- weight gain due to water retention from impaired kidney function OR weight loss due to loss of appetite and pain from mouth ulcers
Poor circulation to the fingers and toes as blood vessels become narrow
Chest pain or shortness of breath due to heart or lung membrane becoming swollen