Ms. X, a 32-year-old Hispanic woman, has had a history of intermittent pleuritic chest pain and joint pain for the past several years. Recently, she went to her physician because she noticed that an erythematous, butterfly-shaped rash had appeared on her face. Further lab tests indicated protein in her urine. Her blood test indicated the presence of numerous antinuclear antibodies, especially anti-DNA, and mature neutrophils containing nuclear material. A diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was made.
- Discuss possible reasons why SLE was not diagnosed earlier. (See SLE Clinical Signs and Symptoms.)
- Discuss how the presence of antibodies can cause such widespread damage in organ systems. (See SLE Pathophysiology.)
- Discuss treatments for SLE and a prognosis for the patient in this case. (See SLE Treatment.)
- Identify the type of immune response involved.
Sample Solution
