Inflammation and Autoimmunity Flashcards

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to Inflammation, Autoimmunity, SLE, and Scleroderma, based on lecture notes.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Chronic multisystem autoimmune disease of unknown aetiology, characterised by the production of specific autoantibodies directed to several self-molecules and a wide range of clinical manifestations.

Autoantibodies

Specific antibodies directed to several self-molecules in SLE.

Familial aggregation in SLE

Genetic component of SLE, where the disease tends to cluster in families.

HLA class II genes in SLE

Specific genes associated with the development and progression of SLE.

Butterfly rash

A characteristic rash seen in SLE patients across the cheeks and nose.

Raynaud’s phenomenon

Vascular inflammation symptom, cold induced vasospasm of the extremities.

Vasculitis

Inflammation of blood vessels, seen in SLE.

Renal involvement in SLE

Kidney complications that are common and serious in SLE.

Neurological involvement in SLE

Nervous system complications that are common and serious in SLE.

Suncream & Infection Education

Important for SLE patients to protect against triggers.

Antimalarials

A treatment option for SLE.

Immunosuppressants

A treatment option to suppress the immune system in SLE.

Rituximab

A biologic agent used as a treatment for SLE.

Coronary artery disease in late stage lupus

A cardiovascular risk associated with late stage SLE.

Scleroderma

A chronic disease with skin hardening and tightening.

Raynaud’s phenomenon in Scleroderma

Cold induced vasospasm of the extremities.

Lung fibrosis

A complication of systemic sclerosis.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension

Vascular disease complication of systemic sclerosis.

Oesophageal motility

The most common internal feature of systemic sclerosis.

Renal crisis

Treatable aspect of scleroderma.

Oesophageal reflux disease

Treatable aspect of scleroderma.

Intestinal bacterial overgrowth

Treatable aspect of scleroderma.

Pulmonary hypertension

Treatable aspect of scleroderma.

Digital ulcers

A treatable aspect and clinical challenge of scleroderma.

Gut disease

A clinical challenge for scleroderma; anorectal incontinence, malnutrition.

Calcinosis

A clinical challenge for scleroderma.

Environmental triggers in SLE

Factors that can initiate or exacerbate SLE.

Adaptive immune response in SLE

Role of adaptive immunity in SLE pathology.

Innate immune response in SLE

Role of innate immunity in SLE pathology.

Chronic inflammation in SLE

Persistent inflammation as a key feature of SLE.

Digital Ulcers

A potential complication of scleroderma that can cause pain and limit function.

Anorectal Incontinence

A bowel control problem that can occur due to gut disease in scleroderma.

Malnutrition

A state of poor nutrition that can arise from gut disease in scleroderma.

Calcinosis

The formation of calcium deposits in the skin or soft tissues, a complication of scleroderma.

Sexual Dysfunction

Problems with sexual function that can be a clinical challenge in scleroderma.