Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Also known as: SLE

Introduction

Systemic Lupus Erythematous is an immune-mediated disease which can affect many different organ systems. It is a primary autoimmune disease in which the body loses 'self-tolerance' towards autoantigens and mounts an inappropriate attack on various target tissues of the body. The pathology can be attributed to true autoantibody binding, immune complex deposition causing a type III hypersensitivity reaction, or cell-mediated autoimmunity.

The most comprehensively studied autoantibodies formed are the Anti-Nuclear Antibodies (ANA) which are found in up to 100% of cases reported and are important in the diagnosis of the disease. These target a number of nuclear components, including double-stranded DNA, histones and extractable nuclear antigens.

The aetiology of the disease is multifactorial, involving genetics, immunological disorder, viral infection and hormonal and ultraviolet light modulation.

The condition is uncommon in dogs and rare in cats and horses.

Clinical Signs

Clinical signs are varied and changeable. SLE is able to mimic numerous diseases and is sometimes called 'the great imitator'.

Dogs: there is no age predilection, but male are more commonly affected.

The most common manifestations are: fever (constant or cyclic), polyarthritis (non-erosive, non-deforming), proteinuria and skin disease.

Skin changes include: periorbital alopecia, seborrhea, oral ulceration, Discoid Lupus Erythematosus, mucocutaneous ulcerations, footpad ulceration, panniculitis and urticaria. Skin changes can be multifocal or generalised, and commonly involve skin poorly covered by hair. Lesions may be exacerbated by exposure to light.

Other common manifestations include: anaemia, leucopaenia, peripheral lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly.

Other reported syndromes include: pericarditis, thrombocytopaenia, polymyositis, myocarditis, pneumonitis, pleuritis, neurologic disorders (seizures, meningitis, psychosis) and lymphoedema.

Cats: no age predilection, but Siamese, Himalayan and Persian breeds may be predisposed.

Syndromes reported include: haematological abnormalities, neurological abnormalities, fever, lymphadenopathy, polyarthritis, myopathy, oral ulceration, conjunctivitis, renal failure and subclinical pulmonary disease.

Only 20% of cats will have skin lesions such as seborrhea, erythema, alopecia and scarring on the face, pinnae and paws.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of SLE is made on a combination of clinical findings, haemotologic, serum biochemistry and immunological testing results. Diagnosis can be challenging as the condition can mimic a number of other diseases. Ruling out differential diagnoses will help in securing a definitive diagnosis.

The most widely accepted diagnostic criteria for the disease is that an animal should have at least 2 separate clinically and serologically defined manifestations of autoimmunity in addition to a high serum titre of ANA.

Haematology and biochemistry may reveal: anaemia with or without a positive direct Coombs' test result, thrombocytopaenia, leucopaenia or leucocytosis, proteinuria and hypergammaglobulinaemia.

The ANA test is considered the most sensitive serological test for SLE. However, it is not the most specific of tests, and can be positive in up to 20% of dogs with infectious diseases, particularly leishmaniasis. It is important to record the titre and compare it with normal values for the same laboratory.

The Lupus Erythematosus (LE) test is not as valuable, varies from day to day, and lacks specificity and sensitivity.

Pathology findings in the skin include: lymphohistiocytic interface dermatitis, thickened basement membrane, vasculitis, subepidermal vesicles, basal cell degeneration.

Treatment

Treatment is with immunosuppressive drugs.

The initial agent of choice is large doses of systemic glucocorticoids such as prednisolone.

Other drugs may be useful in combination if the response is not satisfactory, and azathioprine or cyclophosphamide can be used. Typically the dose can be tapered once the condition is under control.

Splenectomy may be necessary in animals with severe anaemia and thrombocytopaenia. Vincristine can be useful when thrombocytopaenia is severe.

Animals with SLE are prone to infections and therefore any infections must be identified and dealt with effectively and quickly.

Specific supportive care may be necessary for animals with renal disease, such as dietary manipulation.

ANA titres can be monitored throughout treatment as levels usually fall with clinical improvement, thought the antibody may persist at lower titres during clinical remission.

Prognosis

Prognosis is unpredictable and depends on the organs involved.

The earlier the diagnosis is made, the better the prognosis.

In general, dogs with muscle, joint and skin disease respond more reliably to medical treatment and remain in remission for longer than animals with severe haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopaenia or glomerulonephritis.

Over 40% of dogs with SLE are dead within 1 year after the diagnosis is made, either from disease or from euthanasia.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Learning Resources
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References

Blood, D.C. and Studdert, V. P. (1999) Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary (2nd Edition) Elsevier Science

Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition) Merial

Nelson, R.W. and Couto, C.G. (2009) Small Animal Internal Medicine (Fourth Edition) Mosby Elsevier

Muller, G. (2001) Small animal dermatology Elsevier Health Sciences

Pasquini, C. (1999) Tschauner's Guide to Small Animal Clinics Sudz Publishing

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