Clinical Immunology & Serology - Autoimmunity Part 2

These flashcards cover key concepts related to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis from the lecture notes.

What is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?

A chronic systemic inflammatory disease that affects multiple organ systems.

Which gender is more affected by SLE, and what is the ratio?

Females are more affected than males at a ratio of 9:1.

What is the typical age range for the diagnosis of SLE?

SLE is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40.

What is the 5-year survival rate for SLE patients?

The 5-year survival rate for SLE patients is 95%.

Name some environmental factors that may contribute to the development of SLE.

UV light, certain medications, and possibly infectious agents.

What is the significance of autoantibodies in SLE?

Patients develop numerous autoantibodies, with antibodies to dsDNA occurring in 70% of patients, which are highly specific for SLE.

What are the clinical symptoms of SLE?

Fatigue, weight loss, fever, joint involvement, skin rashes, renal involvement, cardiac involvement, neurologic symptoms.

Which laboratory tests are commonly used to diagnose SLE?

CBC, urinalysis, CRP/ESR, ANA testing, complement quantitation.

What does a positive ANA test indicate?

A positive ANA test suggests the presence of autoantibodies, which are common in lupus patients.

What are antinuclear antibodies (ANAs)?

Antibodies directed against antigens in cell nuclei; present in more than 95% of lupus patients.

What is the principle of the Fluorescent ANA (FANA) test?

It is an indirect immunofluorescence test that detects many antibodies by using fixed human epithelial cell line (HEp-2) cells.

What is the function of anti-phospholipid antibodies in lupus patients?

They bind to phospholipids and are associated with increased risk of thrombosis and pregnancy loss.

How does rheumatoid arthritis (RA) primarily manifest?

As chronic, symmetric, erosive arthritis of the peripheral joints, potentially leading to joint deformity.

What is the typical age range for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

RA is usually diagnosed between the ages of 25 and 55.

What role does TNF-alpha play in rheumatoid arthritis?

TNF-alpha is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that stimulates other cytokines and contributes to joint inflammation.

What is rheumatoid factor (RF)?

An autoantibody, usually IgM, that reacts with the Fc portion of IgG and is found in approximately 80% of RA patients.

What is the definition of anti-CCP antibodies?

Autoantibodies directed against cyclic citrullinated peptide, highly specific for RA.

What are common clinical signs of rheumatoid arthritis?

Non-specific symptoms like malaise, fatigue, joint pain, and stiffness, often with symmetrical joint involvement.

What type of drugs are commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

NSAIDs, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), glucocorticoids, and biologic agents targeting TNF-alpha.

What laboratory tests are important for diagnosing RA?

Rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP, ANAs, ESR, and CRP.

What is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?

A chronic systemic inflammatory disease that affects multiple organ systems.

Which gender is more affected by SLE, and what is the ratio?

Females are more affected than males at a ratio of 9:1.

What is the typical age range for the diagnosis of SLE?

SLE is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40.

What is the 5-year survival rate for SLE patients?

The 5-year survival rate for SLE patients is 95%.

Name some environmental factors that may contribute to the development of SLE.

UV light, certain medications, and possibly infectious agents.

What is the significance of autoantibodies in SLE?

Patients develop numerous autoantibodies, with antibodies to dsDNA occurring in 70% of patients, which are highly specific for SLE.

What are the clinical symptoms of SLE?

Fatigue, weight loss, fever, joint involvement, skin rashes, renal involvement, cardiac involvement, neurologic symptoms.

Which laboratory tests are commonly used to diagnose SLE?

CBC, urinalysis, CRP/ESR, ANA testing, complement quantitation.

What does a positive ANA test indicate?

A positive ANA test suggests the presence of autoantibodies, which are common in lupus patients.

What are antinuclear antibodies (ANAs)?

Antibodies directed against antigens in cell nuclei; present in more than 95% of lupus patients.

What is the principle of the Fluorescent ANA (FANA) test?

It is an indirect immunofluorescence test that detects many antibodies by using fixed human epithelial cell line (HEp-2) cells.

What is the function of anti-phospholipid antibodies in lupus patients?

They bind to phospholipids and are associated with increased risk of thrombosis and pregnancy loss.

How does rheumatoid arthritis (RA) primarily manifest?

As chronic, symmetric, erosive arthritis of the peripheral joints, potentially leading to joint deformity.

What is the typical age range for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

RA is usually diagnosed between the ages of 25 and 55.

What role does TNF-alpha play in rheumatoid arthritis?

TNF-alpha is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that stimulates other cytokines and contributes to joint inflammation.

What is rheumatoid factor (RF)?

An autoantibody, usually IgM, that reacts with the Fc portion of IgG and is found in approximately 80% of RA patients.

What is the definition of anti-CCP antibodies?

Autoantibodies directed against cyclic citrullinated peptide, highly specific for RA.

What are common clinical signs of rheumatoid arthritis?

Non-specific symptoms like malaise, fatigue, joint pain, and stiffness, often with symmetrical joint involvement.

What type of drugs are commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

NSAIDs, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), glucocorticoids, and biologic agents targeting TNF-alpha.

What laboratory tests are important for diagnosing RA?

Rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP, ANAs, ESR, and CRP.

What is the characteristic facial rash associated with SLE?

Malar rash (butterfly rash) across the cheeks and nasal bridge.

What is a significant renal complication often seen in SLE patients?

Lupus nephritis, which can lead to kidney damage and failure.

How do immune complexes contribute to tissue damage in SLE?

Immune complexes deposit in various tissues (e.g., kidneys, joints, skin), triggering inflammation and damage.

Name a characteristic hand deformity associated with advanced rheumatoid arthritis.

Ulnar deviation of the fingers, swan-neck deformities, or boutonnière deformities.

Describe an extra-articular manifestation commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid nodules (firm, non-tender lumps), vasculitis, pleuritis, or pericarditis.

What is the primary pathological feature of rheumatoid arthritis within the joint?

Synovial inflammation and hyperplasia (pannus formation), leading to cartilage and bone erosion.