introduction this study was conducted to evaluate the involvement of body organs such as the lungs in systemic lupus erythematosus (sle). little information exists on lung involvement in lupus patients without respiratory symptoms; we aimed to evaluate the characteristics of lung gas transfer in female sle patients using carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (dlco) in comparison with a control gro...

Erythema multiforme of the mouth is an acute vesiculo-ulcerative lesion, which presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the clinician. Herpes simplex is described as the most frequent cause of this disease. Controversy exists in the literature as to the definition of oral erythema multiforme and the role of systemic corticosteroids in its treatment. Recent treatment protocols advocate...

Careful examination of the oral cavity may reveal findings indicative of an underlying systemic condition, and allow for early diagnosis and treatment. Examination should include evaluation for mucosal changes, periodontal inflammation and bleeding, and general condition of the teeth. Oral findings of anemia may include mucosal pallor, atrophic glossitis, and candidiasis. Oral ulceration may be...

A 55-year-old woman developed bilateral leg edema in June 2006. Since the edema tended to worsen, she visited our hospital on November 11. Laboratory tests showed a serum albumin level of 2.5 g/dl with 3+ proteinuria, and suggested nephrotic syndrome, which led to her hospitalization on November 14. The findings of discoid erythema, an antinuclear antibody titer of 1: 640, anti-ds DNA antibody ...

This review summarises most currently used indices to assess and monitor patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in clinical trials, long-term observational studies, and clinical care. Six SLE disease activity indices include the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group Index (BILAG), European Consensus Lupus Activity Measurement (ECLAM), Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM), Systemic Lu...

References DINES, D.E., CLAGETT, O.T. & GOOD, C.A. (1967) Nontuberculous pulmonary parenchymal conditions predisposing to spontaneous pneumothorax. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, 53, 726. DUBOIs, E.L. (1966) Lupus Erythematosus, p. 172. McGrawHill Book Company Inc., New York Blakiston Division. HOFFBRAND, B.l. & BECK, E.R. (1965) 'Unexplained' dyspnoea and shrinking lungs in sy...

Discoid lupus erythematosus is the most common form of cutaneous lupus erythematosus. It is more common in women than in men, in individuals between 20 and 40 years of age. It is an inflammatory autoimmune disease in which genetically predisposed individuals are stimulated by hormonal and a variety of exogenous factors including UV radiation, stress, infections, and even temperature changes. Le...