3. Incidence
• About 90% of all cases occur in women
• Most cases occur in women of childbearing years
• At the age of 30 years the ratio of women to men is
10:1
• African, Asian, Hispanic, and Native Americans
three times more likely to develop than whites
4. Etiology
• Auto immune
• Etiology is unknown
• Most probable causes:
– Genetic influence
– Hormones
– Environmental factors- UV B rays, infections with
CMV, HCV, smoking
– Certain medications- Trimethoprim,
Sulphamethaxozole
5. Pathophysiology
• Autoimmune reactions directed against constituents of
cell nucleus, DNA
• Antibody response related to B and
T cell hyperactivity which is stimulated by the Estrogen
• The antigen antibody complexes that are developed will
be in the circulation and blocks the microvasculature
and the spaces
6. Clinical Manifestations
• Ranges from a relatively mild disorder to rapidly
progressing, affecting many body systems
• Most commonly affects the skin/muscles, lining
of lungs, heart, nervous tissue, and kidneys
17. • Infection
– Increased susceptibility to infections
– Fever should be considered serious
– Infections such as pneumonia are a common cause
of death
19. • Antinuclear antibodies
– ANA and other antibodies indicate autoimmune
disease
– Anti-DNA and anti-Smith antibody tests most
specific for SLE
– ESR & CRP are indicative of inflammatory
activity.
20. • CBC for hematologic problems
• Ultrasound Abdomen for lupus nephritis
• X-rays of affected joints
• Chest x-ray for pulmonary problems
• ECG for cardiac problems
23. Nursing Interventions
– Observe for
• Fever pattern
• Joint inflammation
• Limitation of motion
• Location and degree of discomfort
• Fatigability
24. – Monitor weight and I&O
– Collect 24-hour urine sample
– Assess neurological status
– Explain nature of disease
– Provide support
25. • Ambulatory and home care
– Reiterate that adherence to treatment does not
necessarily halt progression
– Minimize exposure to precipitating factors –
fatigue, sun, stress, infection, drugs
– Teach energy conservation and relaxation exercises
– Teach regarding ROM to prevent contractures
26. • Psychosocial issues
– Counsel patient and family that SLE has good
prognosis
– Physical effects can lead to isolation, self-esteem,
and body image disturbances
– Assist patient in developing goals