Systemic

Lupus Erythematosus

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Presented by: J. Yeban & A. Arante
Presented by: J. Yeban & A. Arante 2
- A multisystem disease of autoimmune origin. It
is a complex disorder of multifactorial origin
resulting from interactions among genetic,
hormonal, environmental and immunologic
factors.

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Presented by: J. Yeban & A. Arante
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most
common form of lupus. "Systemic" means it can
affect several parts of the body. A subtype of SLE is
drug-induced lupus. Some medications
uncommonly used for high blood pressure, heart
disease and tuberculosis can cause this condition.

Presented by: J. Yeban & A. Arante 4

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Presented by: J. Yeban & A. Arante
 skin rash
pain and swelling in joints
muscle aches
fatigue
weight loss
hair loss
loss of appetite

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Presented by: J. Yeban & A. Arante
 lesions over the bridge of the nose and cheeks, and
sometimes on the scalp. Lesions dry into scales that fall
off the body, leaving scars (DLE only)

Raynaud's syndrome (a condition in which a sudden,

severe reduction in blood flow causes fingers to turn
waxy, white and blue and painfully cold)

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Presented by: J. Yeban & A. Arante
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Presented by: J. Yeban & A. Arante
1. It is unknown; affects the connective tissue and is
thought to be due to a defect in the bodys
immunologic mechanisms, genetic predisposition,
or environmental stimuli.

2. Immune complex deposits in blood vessels,

among collagen fibers, and on organs.

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Presented by: J. Yeban & A. Arante
3. Necrosis of the glomerular capillaries, inflammatory
of the cerebral and ocular blood vessels, necrosis of the
lymph nodes, vasculitis of the GI tract and pleura, and
degeneration of the basal layer of the skin.

4. More common in females aged 13-40 years.

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Presented by: J. Yeban & A. Arante
Corticosteroids and analgesic to reduce pain and
inflammation.

Supportive therapy as the major organ become

affected (heart, kidneys, CNS, GI tract).

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Presented by: J. Yeban & A. Arante
 History and physical examination
Antibodies
Anti-DNA antibody
Anti-Sm antibody
Antinuclear antibody (ANA)
Complete Blood Cell Count
LE cell prep.
Urinalysis
X-ray of affected joints
Chest x-ray
ECG to determine extra articular involvement

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Presented by: J. Yeban & A. Arante
Treatments may include:

rest
exercise
physical therapy for muscle weakness
avoiding sun exposure
medications such as:
anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin
for symptomatic relief

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Presented by: J. Yeban & A. Arante
 corticosteroid drugs such as prednisolone for inflammation
antimalarial drugs such as chloroquine phosphate or
hydroxychloroquine for rashes, arthritis and malaise
immunosuppressive and cytotoxic drugs such as Immuran
(azathioprine) and Cytoxan (cycyclophosphamide) are prescribed
with vital organs are involved and/or corticosteroids aren't
effective

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Presented by: J. Yeban & A. Arante
 Surgery
Surgery is not used to treat mild or moderate symptoms
of lupus(systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE). Surgery
may be considered for people with lupus who have
permanent, life-threatening kidney damage. A kidney
transplant or kidney dialysis may be done instead of
continuing long-term treatment with high doses of
medicines that have serious side effects.

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Presented by: J. Yeban & A. Arante
 If kidney disease from lupus does not respond to
high-dose corticosteroids and other
immunosuppressive medicines, kidney dialysis or
transplant are reasonable options.

For unknown reasons, overall lupus disease activity

is often less severe during dialysis and after kidney
transplant.

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Presented by: J. Yeban & A. Arante
 Minimize fatigue
Maintain weight at optimal range.
Teach the patient to recognize fever and signs and
symptoms of infection.
Assist the patient in adjusting to physical and lifestyle
changes
Recognize the signs and symptoms of depression and
initiate a plan of care.

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Presented by: J. Yeban & A. Arante
 Brunner and Suddarths textbook of: Medical Surgical Nursing
(volume 2)
Microsoft Encarta 2009. 1993-2008 Microsoft
Corporation. All rights reserved.
http://www.medicinenet.com/systemic_lupus/article.htm

Presented by:
Jay-Ann M. Yeban 18
Arjo M. Arante