Question | Answer |
anticholinesterase | any enzyme that counteracts the action
of the choline esters |
autoimmune | an immune response that resulting in the presence of
self antigens or autoantigens on the surface of certain
body cells; may result in allergy or autoimmune disease |
candidiasis | a fungal infection of any of the Candida (yeast) species. Severe
forms (Candidemia) are often found in immunocomprised Persons
e.g. aids, transplant, AIDS, emergency surgery patients. |
collagen | protein used to connect and support other body tissues. |
hematopoetic | pertaining to the production and development of blood cells,
or a substance that stimulates their production |
hypogammaglobulinemia | a below normal concentration of gamma globulin in the blood, associated with a decreased resistance to infection |
immunocompetent | an immune system which has the ability to (appropriately)
defend the body against disease |
immunodeficiency | deficiency of the immune system to react with appropriate
cellular immunity response; often the result of loss
immunoglobulins or aberrance of B- or T-cell lymphocytes |
immunoelectrophoresis | technique used to separate and allow identification of
complex proteins |
immunogen | antigen: substance capable of stimulating an immune response |
immunoglobulin | a protein that can act as an antibody |
immunosuppressive | having the property of suppressing the body's immune
response to antigens |
keratoconjunctivitis | dryness of the conjunctiva resulting from a decrease in lacrimal function |
lymph | a mostly clear, colorless, transparent, alkaline fluid
found within the lymphatic vessels; formed in tissues
throughout the body |
lymphadenopathy | disease of the lymph nodes |
lymphocyte | one of two types (B cells and T cells) of leukocytes
(white blood cells) found in blood, lymph, and
lymphoid tissue |
macrophage | a monocyte (white blood cell ) which ingests foreign material.
They are key in the immune response to foreign bodies
(usually found in the liver, spleen, and
connective tissues of the body. |
phagocytes | A cell that surrounds and digests particles such as,
bacteria, protozoa and debris |
phagocystosis | the process of by which cells surround and digest certain particles |
pneumocystis pneumonia | opportunistic form of pneumonia often found in patients with
weakened immune systems. It's Caused by fungus. |
SCID - Severe Combined Immunodeficiency | a disease that is caused a severe defect in T cell production and
function, defects in B cells (some genetic forms also affect
NK cell production). |
AIDS | Acquired Immunodeficiency syndrome |
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia | an autoimmune condition in which red blood cells (RBCS)
are destroyed by antibodies. |
signs and symptoms of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia | fatigue, weakness, chills fever, dispnea, itching, jaundice,
pale skin and bruises easily. sometimes, hypotension |
Patient screening for Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia | patients with full spectrum of symptoms should be seen
the same day, those with mild or fewer, less urgency |
etiology of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia | b cell produced antibodies do not identify RBCs as self &result
in in AGGLUTINATION of RBCs and attack and destruction of red corpuscles. |
two types of hemolytic anemia are | warm and cold antibody (agglutinin) anemia |
what is warm antibody anemia | associated with an excess of IgG antibodies that react with protein antigens on the RBC surface at body temp. |
what is cold antibody anemia | results from fixation of complement proteins on IgM that
occurs at colder temps ( about 30°), often seen with infectious
mononucleosis or mycoplasma pneumonia. |
idiopathic | of unknown cause |
diagnosis of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia | direct Combs' test |
treatment of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia | address any underlying diseases or conditions. warm:
corticosteroids,& cytotoxic drugs reduce antibody
production; splenectomy; IV immune globulin.
Cold: avoid cold and maybe plasmapheresis |
prognosis for Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia | usually abated after infection resolves (if causing factor).
From other causes, often chronic and poorly responsive.
warm type is usually self limiting in children, disappearing
within 1-3 months |
prevention for Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia | no known preventions |
systemic Lupus Erythematosus | chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by
unusual autoantibodies in the blood target tissues of the body |
signs and symptoms of Lupus | inflammation and damage to connective tissue anywhere in
the body. Most often skin, joints, nervous system, kidneys,
lungs, and other organs. Rashes, fatigue, joint pain and malaise,
fever, joint deformaties, and weight loss |
Raynaud's Phenomenon | a vasospastic disorder causing discoloration of the fingers, toes, and occasionally other areas. |
patient screen for Lupus | onset of unexplained clusters of described symptoms requires medical evaluation, followed by referral to a rheumatologist |
Etiology of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus | thought to be autoimmune with predisposing genetic,
environmental, and hormonal factors. Possibly preceded by
stress, immunization reactions, pregnancy or over exposure
to UVA light |
Diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythrmatosus | can be made if any four of a particular group of conditions and
diseases are present either at once or sequentially. Diagnostic tests: CBC, ESR, antinuclear antibody determination, and anti-DNA test. |
Sjögren's disease | Autoimmune disease which causes inflammation in
various glands of the body |
treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus | mild: aspirin, prednisone, antimalarial
severe: steroids, immunosuppressants |
prognosis for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus | treatment options are improving, depends on internal organ development. increased risk of cancers such as Leukemia,
lymphoma, breast |
prevention of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (outbreaks) | diligence in adhering to medication regiments. flare-ups can can be prevented by not missing doses and avoiding exposure to sunlight |
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) | Chronic inflammatory systemic disease that affects the joints. |
signs and symptoms of RA | Edema, pain, tenderness, erythema, and warmth in one or more
joints usually fingers, wrists, knees, ankles, and toes. Bursitis, anemia, |
patient screening for RA | initial diagnostic evaluation, possibly followed by referral to rheumatologist. |
Etiology of RA | Unknown causes possibly autoimmune with genetic predispositions
or possibly virally triggered. |
Diagnosing RA | first evaluate for other causes of polyarthritis, review symptoms
and patients family history, physical exam, imaging studies,
blood and other labs tests. occasionally only after observation of progression for weeks or months |
treatment of RA | combination of medication (aspirin, steroids, NSAIDs,DMARDs), rest, special exercise, and joint
protection |
prognosis for RA | varies with adequacy of treatment. early diagnosis and aggressive
treatment are essential. 25% of patients already have joint
destruction at the first visit to rheumatologist. |
prevention of RA | agressive early medical intervention is mandatory, generally
meaning early use of DMARDs, w or w/o biologic meds |
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) | Rheumatoid Arthritis that affects children less than 16 years
of age, and usually begins between ages 2-5 |
systemic JRA with high fevers and rash, is also known as: | Still's disease |
three types of JRA | Pauciarticular ( only a few joints affected)
polyarticular ( many joints affected)
systemic onset JRA ( Still's disease) |
signs and symptoms of JRA | usually involves lg. joints. swelling, rash, temp fluctuations'
appetite/weight loss |
patient screening for JRA | patients with fever, rash and /or swelling and stiffness in the
joints, should be seen as soon as possible |
Etiology of JRA | unknown cause. thought to be autoimmune disorder
w/genetic tendencies, particularly those with
Spondylitis |
Diagnosis of JRA | based on history and physical exam, blood test for
rheumatoid factor |
treatment of JRA | similar to adult RA.exercise, diet, braces/splints |
prognosis of JRA | with proper therapy, children with all forms of arthritis will
usually improve over time. most will lead normal lives |
prevention of JRA | aggressive early treatment helps prevent joint damage, loss of
function and disability. usually with DMARDs, physical therapy |
MS Multiple Sclerosis | an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system
attacks myelin sheath,causing scarring (sclerosis)
which debilitates the nerves |
signs and symptoms of MS | sclerosed tissue affects: limb numbness/weakness, optic neuritis
vision loss, diplopia, unsteady gait, vertigo, urinary issues, facial
pain/numbness, (dysphagia) speech loss, hearing loss, impotence,
fatigue, emotional issues e.g. depression etc... |
patient screening for MS | patient w/ undiagnosed or possible MS may have variable
or sporadic symptoms. Schedule an appointment for clinical
evaluation |
Etiology of MS | Unknown, possible immune system involved, genetic traits,
some theories include viral triggers. |
types of MS | relapsing-remitting-relapeses
primary progression w/o remission
secondary progressive, begins as relapsing turns progressive
progressing-relapsing-prgressive |
diagnosis of MS | diagnosis is difficult, early exams may seam normal. Often made
by process of elimination. Usually after 2 or more CNS dysfunction
episodes. MRI used to support diagnosis |
treatment of MS | Acute: corticosteroids Relapsing/remitting: meds, immuno-suppressive therapy, biologics (biologic response modifiers)
or symptomatically i.e. muscle relaxants etc... |
biologics | genetically engineered proteins derived from human genes,
designed to inhibit specific components of the immune system. |
prognosis | no known cure. average duration is 30 years or longer |