Pathophysiology of Diseases Project by Leslie Aldana

lesliealdana2 — 2025-09-14 09:45:21 UTC

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects any organ system, including the musculoskeletal system. The cause of systemic lupus erythematosus is unknown. SLE is characterized by the formation of autoantibodies and immune complexes. Typically, SLE appears in people who have B-cell hyperreactivity. They also present with an increased production of antibodies against self and non-self antigens. The B cells produce different types of antibodies. These autoantibodies damage tissues or form tissue-damaging immune responses.

Reference: Norris, T. L. (2024). Porth's Pathophysiology (11th ed.). Wolters Kluwer Health.

lesliealdana2 — 2025-09-14 09:48:59 UTC

There are acute and long-term treatments for SLE. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and antimalarial drugs are used to treat acute SLE symptoms. Immunosuppressants and biologics are long-term treatments used for SLE.

Reference: Mayo Clinic. (21 October 2022). Lupus. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20365790

lesliealdana2 — 2025-09-14 09:50:03 UTC

The current treatments for SLE are commonly used to treat inflammation and symptoms of lupus. The treatment depends on the manifestation that is present in each person. The treatment differs from patient to patient. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to relieve some lupus symptoms. Antimalarial drugs such as Plaquenil can help decrease the risk of lupus flares. Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation. Immunosuppressants are used for severe cases of lupus. Some biologics can be administered to help relieve lupus symptoms.

Reference: Mayo Clinic. (21 October 2022). Lupus. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20365790

lesliealdana2 — 2025-09-14 09:55:56 UTC

Drug treatment for lupus can be PO, IV, IM, topical, and subcutaneous. The route of administration is based on the provider's orders. PO medicines can include NSAIDs, methotrexate, and prednisone. An IV medication could be methylprednisolone, an immunosuppressant, or a biologic. An IM medication could be triamcinolone. A topical steroid medication could be used. Subcutaneous medications could be biologics or methotrexate.

Reference: Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2025). Treating Lupus with Steroids. Johns Hopkins Lupus Center. https://www.hopkinslupus.org/lupus-treatment/lupus-medications/steroids/

lesliealdana2 — 2025-09-14 09:58:41 UTC

Administration of the medications varies. The client can administer oral medication at home. Intravenous infusions must be done by a registered nurse, either inpatient or outpatient. Topical can be administered by the client at home. With the proper education, clients can administer PO, IM, topical, and subcutaneous medications at home.

lesliealdana2 — 2025-09-14 10:08:18 UTC

Reference: Norris, T. L. (2024). Porth's Pathophysiology (11th ed.). Wolters Kluwer Health.

lesliealdana2 — 2025-09-15 06:05:42 UTC

SLE can cause inflammation and damage to multiple organs (joints, tendons, skin, heart, lungs, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels). Patients with SLE can experience major symptoms, such as fatigue, skin rashes, fever, and joint pain. Patients can develop skin sensitivity, oral ulcers, arthritis, kidney disease, and immunological abnormalities.

References: Ji Woon Ko, Russell, M., Lenert, A., & Sujin Kim. (2022). Development of an Information Value Chain for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Korean Journal of Adult Nursing, 34(3), 324–337. https://doi.org/10.7475/kjan.2022.34.3.324

lesliealdana2 — 2025-09-15 06:09:41 UTC

Patients with SLE are treated with different drug therapies. These include major medications such as hydroxychloroquine, glucocorticoids, immunosuppressive therapy, biologics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

lesliealdana2 — 2025-09-15 06:15:00 UTC

Major medications include corticoids, immunosuppressive therapy (i.e., methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, and cyclophosphamide), and biologics (i.e., belimumab, rituximab).