Inflammation

What is inflammation?

A protective response intended to remove injurious stimuli and necrotic cells or tissues resulting from original insult.

What are the causes of inflammation?

Microbial infections

Hypersensitivity reactions

Physical and chemical agents

Tissue necrosis due to MI

What can inflammation be classified into?

Local or systemic reaction

Acute or chronic (granulomatous)

What are the beneficial effects of inflammation?

Destruction of microorganisms

Clearing of infection

Repair of damaged tissues

What are the harmful effects of inflammation?

Anaphylaxis

Rheumatoid arthritis

Peritonitis may cause obstruction

Pericarditis may cause cardiac disfunction

What are the 5 classic symptoms and signs of inflammation?

Redness, swelling, heat, pain, loss of function

Rubor, tumor, calor, dolor, function laesa

What are the inflammatory markers?

Luekocytosis

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

C-reactive protein

Procalcitonin

Lactate

What are typical examples of acute inflammation?

Infection or burns

What are the 4 steps leading to acute inflammation?

Tissue damage → Short-term ischemia → Vasodilation → Reduced blood flow

What causes chronic inflammation?

Persistant acute inflammation

Prolonged exposure to toxic agents

Autoimmune reactions

What does chronic inflammation lead to?

Necrosis (diabetic pts) and pulmonary fibrosis

What are examples of infectious granulomatous inflammation?

Tuberculosis and leprosy

What are examples of non-infectious granulomatous inflammation?

Crohn’s disease

Sarcoidosis

Foreign body granuloma