Systemic lupus erythematosus

Definition

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the immune system attacking its own tissues, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. It often affects the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are commonly found in over 95% of SLE patients and can be detected using immunofluorescence assays.
2. SLE can cause a wide range of symptoms including fatigue, joint pain, rash, and fever due to widespread inflammation.
3. The fluorescent antinuclear antibody (FANA) test is frequently used in diagnosing SLE and visualizes autoantibodies binding to cell nuclei.
4. SLE patients often present with high levels of circulating immune complexes that can be identified through laboratory techniques like ELISA.
5. There is no single test for SLE; diagnosis involves clinical evaluation combined with multiple laboratory tests detecting various autoantibodies.

Review Questions

• What is the significance of antinuclear antibodies in diagnosing SLE?
• How does the fluorescent antinuclear antibody (FANA) test work in detecting SLE?
• Why is it important to use multiple laboratory tests when diagnosing systemic lupus erythematosus?

Related terms

Autoimmune Disease: A condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.

Antibody: A protein produced by the immune system that binds to specific antigens.

Immunofluorescence Assay: A technique used to visualize antibodies or antigens in biological samples using fluorescent-labeled antibodies.