Showing posts with label lupus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lupus. Show all posts
12 April, 2009
19 February, 2009
AUTO-ANTIBODY TESTS IN SLE[LUPUS]
Today,I'll present a brief discussion about the auto-antibody tests used for the diagnosis and assessing the chance of complications in LUPUS[SLE].In this post I'll discuss about ANA,anti-dsDNA,anti-SM,anti-Phospholipid antibody and anti-Ro antibody.
The usual initial antibody to be tested is ANA[anti-nuclear antibody].This test is very sensitive that is ANA is positive in vast majority of individuals with SLE.Although ANA NEGATIVE LUPUS may occur,in very rare occasions.
Anti-dsDNA[antibody to double stranded DNA] tests is a very specific test for LUPUS.By specificity it means,that if anti-dsDNA test is positive,there is high chance of the individual having LUPUS[SLE].But the problem with this test ...
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is,anti-dsDNA test is not very sensitive that is,this test is not positive in all individuals with LUPUS.
Anti-SM antibody test is also a very specific test for lupus.
aPL or anti-phospholipid antibody test identify individuals who are at risk of complications like reduced platlet count[thrombocytoenia],fetal loss,clotting within the blood vessels[arterial or venous thrombosis]
Anti-Ro antibodies test,when positive,ascertain higher risk of neonatal lupus,sicca syndrome etc.
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17 February, 2009
HAEMATOLOGICAL CHANGES IN LUPUS
Today,I'll discuss about the blood or hematological changes in LUPUS[Systemic lupus erythematosus].The usual change that is observed is anemia[deficiency of the red blood cells or RBCs and/or hemoglobin which is a pigment present within the RBCs which plays a role in the oxygen transport].The anaemia observed in SLE is usually normochromic,normocytic[this means the size and color of the RBCs remain unaltered].
The white blood cell[leucocytes or WBCs] count is often decreased[leucopenia],but usually the lymphocyte[a type of white blood cell] count is decreased,the granulocyte count usually remains unaltered.This usually does not increase the chance of infection.
Thrombocytopenia or reduction of platlet count may be seen.
In some individuals suffering from SLE hemolysis or destruction of the red blood cells may occur.
For any more information on this, please consult your doctor or you may post in the comment section.
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The white blood cell[leucocytes or WBCs] count is often decreased[leucopenia],but usually the lymphocyte[a type of white blood cell] count is decreased,the granulocyte count usually remains unaltered.This usually does not increase the chance of infection.
Thrombocytopenia or reduction of platlet count may be seen.
In some individuals suffering from SLE hemolysis or destruction of the red blood cells may occur.
For any more information on this, please consult your doctor or you may post in the comment section.
If you find the posts helpful please subscribe.
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01 February, 2009
KIDNEY CHANGES IN LUPUS
In today's post I'll briefly explain the kidney changes [renal changes] in lupus.Kidney involvement is a very serious involvement in Systemic lupus Erythematosus.It is a very important cause of mortality.
In most individuals suffering from SLE, kidney involvement presents with no symptoms,therefore urinalysis should be ordered in any individual with SLE presenting with no symptoms related to the kidney.
Invovement of the kidney may present with proliferative or membranous forms of glomerulonephritis, or with nephrotic syndrome.
Renal biopsy is a very important investigation in these cases,to to determine the course of treatment.
Usually, due to SLE[kidney involvement] needs to be treated by immunosuppressive drugs[steroids and cytotoxic drugs]
If not treated,it may develop into end-stage renal disease.
For further information,please discuss this issue with your doctor.
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In most individuals suffering from SLE, kidney involvement presents with no symptoms,therefore urinalysis should be ordered in any individual with SLE presenting with no symptoms related to the kidney.
Invovement of the kidney may present with proliferative or membranous forms of glomerulonephritis, or with nephrotic syndrome.
Renal biopsy is a very important investigation in these cases,to to determine the course of treatment.
Usually, due to SLE[kidney involvement] needs to be treated by immunosuppressive drugs[steroids and cytotoxic drugs]
If not treated,it may develop into end-stage renal disease.
For further information,please discuss this issue with your doctor.
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CONTRACEPTIVE CHOICES IN LUPUS
Today I'll post a very brief review, but informative review on the contraceptive choices in individuals suffering from lupus.
Oral contraceptive pills have some harmful effects in individuals suffering from lupus .
Intra-uterine devices may increase the chances of infection in female individuals with lupus.
Barrier contraceptives[like condoms,diaphragm] is probably the contraceptive of choice in case of lupus [SLE].
Before embarking on any decision on contraceptives please discuss the issue with your doctor who deals with the problem of lupus[SLE].
For any more information on this,you may post in the comment section.
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Oral contraceptive pills have some harmful effects in individuals suffering from lupus .
Intra-uterine devices may increase the chances of infection in female individuals with lupus.
Barrier contraceptives[like condoms,diaphragm] is probably the contraceptive of choice in case of lupus [SLE].
Before embarking on any decision on contraceptives please discuss the issue with your doctor who deals with the problem of lupus[SLE].
For any more information on this,you may post in the comment section.
If you find the posts helpful please subscribe.
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MUSCULOSKELETAL CHANGES IN LUPUS
The most important musculoskeletal changes in SLE are
1.intermittent polyarthritis[periodic attacks of arthritis involving multiple joints specially the joints of hands,wrists etc.
Usually joint erosion does not occur.
2.myalgia[muscle pain]
3.Myositis[inflammation of the muscle]
4.Occasionally pain involving a single joint like hip,knee or shoulder may occur.If this occurs in any individual suffering from SLE,he or she should immediately refer to her consulting physician as this may suggest ischaemic necrosis of the involved joint,which is more common in SLE.And may also be a side effect of the drugs used in SLE like glucocorticoids,antimalarials etc.
If any of my friends,need further information on this topic please discuss with your doctor.For any question on this topic, feel free to post in the comment section.
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1.intermittent polyarthritis[periodic attacks of arthritis involving multiple joints specially the joints of hands,wrists etc.
Usually joint erosion does not occur.
2.myalgia[muscle pain]
3.Myositis[inflammation of the muscle]
4.Occasionally pain involving a single joint like hip,knee or shoulder may occur.If this occurs in any individual suffering from SLE,he or she should immediately refer to her consulting physician as this may suggest ischaemic necrosis of the involved joint,which is more common in SLE.And may also be a side effect of the drugs used in SLE like glucocorticoids,antimalarials etc.
If any of my friends,need further information on this topic please discuss with your doctor.For any question on this topic, feel free to post in the comment section.
If you find the posts helpful please subscribe.
Subscribe in a reader SKIN CHANGES IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS
There is another entity called the subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus [SCLE].In SCLE highly photosensitive, psoriasis like lesions with circular red margins tend to occur.
Other skin lesions that are seen in SLE are recurring urticaria,bullae[large vescicle like lesion],small ulcers within the oral cavity resembling aphthous ulcers etc.
If any of my friends,need further information on this topic please discuss with your doctor.For any question on this topic, feel free to post in the comment section.If you find the posts helpful please subscribe.
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LUPUS AND PREGNANCY
SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS [SLE] is an autoimmune disease. In SLE various organs of the body are damaged by auto-antibodies or immune complexes .
In this post , I'll attempt to briefly review the effects of pregnancy in SLE and vice-versa .
EFFECTS OF PREGNANCY IN SLE: Long term prognosis of SLE is usually unaffected . Flare-ups may occur specially in the weeks following delievery [puerperium].Cases of maternal deaths are also reported,the cause in majority , is pulmonary hemorrhage & lupus pneumonitis.
treatment of SLE in pregnancy: The preffered drug to control SLE flare-ups during pregnancy is usually corticosteroids [prednisolone]. Drugs like Azathioprine are also used .
note of caution:analgesics like NSAIDS should be used cautiously, and should never be taken without the proper prescription of your consulting doctor.
EFFECTS OF SLE ON PREGNANCY: Risks of anaemia,leucopenia[less number of leucocytes].thrombocytopenia[reduced number of platlets],renal failure are increased. Propensity for the development of first trimester abortion,recurrent deep vein thrombosis,pregnancy induced hypertension,intra-uterine growth restriction,pre-maturity,still-births etc. are also increased.
In some of the developing babies isolated congenital heart block may occur.
Pre-conceptional counselling is very important in case of SLE and pregnancy.Conception during the period of quiescence is more favorable to the baby.
If any of my friends,need further information on this topic please discuss with your doctor.For any question on this topic, feel free to post in the comment section.
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In this post , I'll attempt to briefly review the effects of pregnancy in SLE and vice-versa .
EFFECTS OF PREGNANCY IN SLE: Long term prognosis of SLE is usually unaffected . Flare-ups may occur specially in the weeks following delievery [puerperium].Cases of maternal deaths are also reported,the cause in majority , is pulmonary hemorrhage & lupus pneumonitis.
treatment of SLE in pregnancy: The preffered drug to control SLE flare-ups during pregnancy is usually corticosteroids [prednisolone]. Drugs like Azathioprine are also used .
note of caution:analgesics like NSAIDS should be used cautiously, and should never be taken without the proper prescription of your consulting doctor.
EFFECTS OF SLE ON PREGNANCY: Risks of anaemia,leucopenia[less number of leucocytes].thrombocytopenia[reduced number of platlets],renal failure are increased. Propensity for the development of first trimester abortion,recurrent deep vein thrombosis,pregnancy induced hypertension,intra-uterine growth restriction,pre-maturity,still-births etc. are also increased.
In some of the developing babies isolated congenital heart block may occur.
Pre-conceptional counselling is very important in case of SLE and pregnancy.Conception during the period of quiescence is more favorable to the baby.
If any of my friends,need further information on this topic please discuss with your doctor.For any question on this topic, feel free to post in the comment section.
If you find the posts helpful please subscribe.
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