Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Group 9

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

An autoimmune disease which means the antibodies attack the tissues of the affected individual. Result of the disturbed immune regulation that causes an exaggerated production of antibodies. Results to inflammation and tissue damage

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

SLE most often harms the heart, joints, skin, lungs, blood vessels, liver, kidneys and nervous system The disease occurs ten times more often in women than men, especially women in childbearing years of 15-35 Most common in African-Americans and Asians Exposure to sunlight or UV rays contributes to the disease progression

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Some cases of SLE are caused intake of certain drug . This is called as drug-induced lupus. The drugs are:
Hydralazine Procainamide Isoniazid Chlorpromazine

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Signs and Symptoms
Fatigue Low-grade fever Loss of appetite Muscle aches Arthritis Ulcers of the mouth and nose Butterfly rash on the face Photosensitivity Pleuritis Pericarditis Raynauds phenomenon

Butterfly Rash

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Pathophysiology

Assessment
Presence of the Signs/Symptoms
Cutaneous erythematous rashes on the face Inspection of the head for alopecia Cardiovascular auscultation for pericardial friction rub Difficulty of breathing and pleural effusion as evidenced by crackles upon auscultation.

Assessment
Joint swelling, tenderness, warmth, pain on movement, stiffness and edema.

Presence of oral mucosa ulcers Behavior changes may be present upon neurological assessment such signs of depression, reports of seizures and chorea.

Diagnostic Findings
NO single laboratory test confirms SLE: rather, blood testing reveals moderate to severe anemia, thrombocytopernia, leukocytosis and leukopenia. Positive ANA (Antinuclear antibody) test result

Pharmacologic therapy
Corticosteroids NSAIDs used along with corticosteroids Immunosuppressive medications to decrease the activity of the immune system B-cell depleting therapies
Monoclonal antibodies Rituximab Epratuzumab (humanized anit-CD22 antibody)

Nursing Management
Nursing Diagnosis
Fatigue Impaired Skin Integrity Body Image Disturbance Lack of Knowledge for Self-Management decisions

Nursing Interventions
Conduct an assessment to determine the patients daily activities that contribute to fatigue. Help the patient to develop an energyconserving plan for completing daily and other activities and work. Many people with lupus need to take a daily nap.

Nursing Interventions
Encourage exercise as tolerated. Develop a dietary plan with the patient that encourages healthful eating. If the patient has nutrition-related lupus complications, refer her or him to a registered dietitian for specialized counseling. Encourage the patient to get 8 to 10 hours of sleep at night.

Nursing Interventions
Assess the patient for the major signs and symptoms of depression. Assess the patients interpersonal and social support systems. Allow the patient to express feelings and needs. Acknowledge that feelings of denial and anger are normal.

Nursing Interventions
Explore with the patient sources of potential support and community resources. Encourage the patient to discuss interpersonal and social conflicts that arise. Encourage the patient to accept help from others, such as counseling or a support group.