How much do you know about... Lupus
Vol.17, No.05, May 2009

1. A positive result on the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is diagnostic of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

  • a) true
  • b) false

2. Which of the following is not a common dermatological symptom of SLE?

  • a) discoid rash
  • b) malar rash
  • c) mucous membrane ulcers
  • d) erythroderma
  • e) photosensitive rash

3. Lupus is associated with second-trimester pregnancy losses because it can cause:

  • a) eclampsia
  • b) antiphospholipid syndrome
  • c) Rh incompatibility
  • d) erythroblastosis fetalis
  • e) hypothyroidism

4. SLE is more common in women than in men by what factor?

  • a) twice as common
  • b) 3-6 times as common
  • c) 6-9 times as common
  • d) 10-15 times as common
  • e) more than 20 times as common

5. Which of the following drugs is not associated with drug-induced lupus (DIL)?

  • a) procaine
  • b) hydralazine
  • c) minocycline
  • d) carbamazepine
  • e) phenytoin
  • f) methotrexate
  • g) sulfasalazine
  • h) isoniazid
  • i) anti-TNF therapy
ANSWER
  1. b) False. While 99% of SLE patients test positive for antinuclear antibodies, there are many other conditions that can cause a positive result, including drug-induced lupus, chronic active hepatitis, systemic sclerosis, Sjögren's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. Even among patients whose health is normal, a minority will test positive.
  2. d) Erythroderma. Lupus can cause discoid, malar, and photosensitive rash, and ulcers in the mouth, nose and pharynx.
  3. b) Antiphospholipid syndrome. Several autoimmune conditions increase the risk of antiphospholipid syndrome, but SLE is the one most closely linked.
  4. c) SLE is 6-9 times more common in women than in men.
  5. f) Methotrexate. All the other drugs on this list - procaine, hydralazine, minocycline, carbamazepine, phenytoin, sulfasalazine, isoniazid, and anti-TNF drugs - are linked to elevated risk of drug-induced lupus.
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