1. When a condition, such as a rash, is made worse by sunlight, the medical term used is "photosensitive."
2. In this case study, the body system that seems to be affected the most is the immune system.
3. A macule is a flat, discolored spot on the skin, like a freckle. A papule, on the other hand, is a raised bump on the skin, like a pimple.
4. An elevated Sedimentation Rate (ESR) is a blood test used to determine the presence of inflammation or infection in the body.
5. Proteinuria is the presence of excess protein in the urine, while hematuria is the presence of blood in the urine.
6. The disease described in the case study is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. In SLE, various organs and systems of the body can be affected.
7. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by a wide range of symptoms including fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes (like the butterfly rash described), fever, and kidney involvement (seen through proteinuria and hematuria). Diagnostic tests for SLE may include blood tests for anti-Smith and anti-dsDNA antibodies, elevated ESR, and physical examination. Treatment usually involves managing symptoms with medications and lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation and control the immune response. It's essential for patients with SLE to have regular follow-ups with their healthcare provider to monitor their condition.
