Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Igor on 25/09/2007 15:25:15

Title: systemic vasculitis or systemic lupus ?
Post by: Igor on 25/09/2007 15:25:15

How would one differentiate between systemic vasculitis and systemic lupus (SLE),
bearing in mind that SLE can include systemic vasculitis.

Would photosensitivity be a differential ?

Title: systemic vasculitis or systemic lupus ?
Post by: RD on 25/09/2007 16:11:57

"Differentiating clues"

Quote

Connective-tissue disease:   
Systemic lupus erythematosus: Differentiating clues ...
Malar rash, photosensitivity, mucosal lesions, nephritis, cerebritis, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, low complement, dsDNA

Vasculitis:   
Systemic vasculitis: Differentiating clues ...
Painful subcutaneous nodules, palpable purpura, nephritis, sinusitis, pulmonary infiltrates or hemorrhage, positive ANCA

http://www.nature.com/ncprheum/journal/v2/n1/fig_tab/ncprheum0084_T1.html

Quote

Initial evaluation in patients in whom vasculitis is suspected should include a detailed history of drug exposures and risk factors for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV infection. In addition, identification of an underlying rheumatic disease (eg, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus) may have important therapeutic implications. Some clinical features, such as fever and renal disease, are common to both systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic vasculitis. However, systemic lupus erythematosus usually can be distinguished by a history of pleuritis or pericarditis or the presence of a positive antinuclear antibody response, malar rash, photosensitivity, or polyarthritis.

http://www.postgradmed.com/issues/1998/02_98/bush.htm