Lupus Erythematosus

Lupus Erythematosus: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate lupus erythematosus: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Leading symptoms – skin manifestations. Skin lesions (75% of patients with SLE have skin lesions, which are even symptomatic in 25% of cases): Acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (ACLE). Butterfly-shaped erythema (butterfly erythema; erythema (areal redness of the skin)) on the face (starting … Lupus Erythematosus: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Lupus Erythematosus: Causes

Pathogenesis (disease development) In lupus erythematosus, antigen-specific T and B lymphocytes cause pathologic (abnormal) immune responses, which in turn lead to the formation of autoantibodies (antibodies that bind an endogenous antigen). A possible trigger of systemic lupus erythematosus could be Enterococcus gallinarum. This is a motile bacterium from the genus Enterococcus. The intestinal bacterium has … Lupus Erythematosus: Causes

Lupus Erythematosus: Therapy

General measures UV protection Avoid UV radiation by avoiding direct sun exposure. Textile light protection Light protection preparations Avoidance of photosensitizing drugs; review of permanent medication due topossible effect on the existing disease. Corrective cosmetics (camouflage). Nicotine restriction (refrain from tobacco use). Vaccinations The following vaccinations are advised, as infection can often lead to worsening … Lupus Erythematosus: Therapy

Lupus Erythematosus: Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, body weight, body height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin (see table below) Sclerae (white part of the eye) If four or more of the criteria in the table below are met (simultaneously or delayed), … Lupus Erythematosus: Examination

Lupus Erythematosus: Diagnostic Tests

Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. Photoprovocation testing (= repetitive UV application for diagnostic purposes) – gold standard for diagnosis of systemic photoallergic or phototoxic reactions. X-ray of the thorax (X-ray thorax/chest), in two planes. Electrocardiogram (ECG; recording … Lupus Erythematosus: Diagnostic Tests

Lupus Erythematosus: Prevention

To prevent lupus erythematosus, attention must be paid to reducing trigger factors. Behavioral trigger factors Smoking Disease-related trigger factors Infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99). Viral infections, unspecified Pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium (O00-O99). A worsening of the diagnostic situation in pregnancy is possible Other risk factors Irritative stimuli UV light – sun exposure, artificial light sources … Lupus Erythematosus: Prevention

Lupus Erythematosus: Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of lupus erythematosus (LE). Family history Is there a history of frequent skin diseases, autoimmune diseases in your family? Social history What is your profession? Is there any evidence of psychosocial stress or strain due to your family situation? Current medical history/systemic history … Lupus Erythematosus: Medical History

Lupus Erythematosus: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Blood, hematopoietic organs-immune system (D50-D90). Sarcoidosis – inflammatory systemic disease primarily affecting the lungs, lymph nodes, and skin. Skin and subcutaneous (L00-L99). Acral vasculitis – inflammation of the small blood vessels at the acras (ends of the body). Actinic keratosis – changes on actinic (light) damaged skin; it can be the precursor to squamous cell … Lupus Erythematosus: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Lupus Erythematosus: Consequential Diseases

The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by lupus erythematosus (LE): Respiratory system (J00-J99) ARDS (adult respiratory distress syndrome; shock lung). Interstitial fibrosis – connective tissue proliferation in the lungs. Pulmonary fibrosis Pleural effusion – effusion in the gap between the pleura of the lung and the pleura … Lupus Erythematosus: Consequential Diseases

Lupus Erythematosus: Classification

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria are increasingly being replaced by the classification presented below. This was modified in 2012 by the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) group based on the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria . A prerequisite for establishing a diagnosis of SLE is … Lupus Erythematosus: Classification