Background to patient and laboratory tests:
A 40-year-old female of Hispanic origin visits her doctor complaining of aching joints and muscles, a fever, tiredness and hair loss. After examination, the doctor also notices swollen lymph nodes and a large red rash across the patient’s face. The patient has also noticed that when it is cold her fingers and toes turn blue. The doctor requests blood and urine tests from the Pathology laboratory and the summary results are below:
Blood test:
Complete blood count
Platelets
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test
Complement levels
Red blood cell count normal (negative)
White blood cell count abnormal (positive)
Platelet count normal (negative)
Abnormal (positive)
Abnormal (positive)
Abnormal, below normal (positive).
Urine analysis:
Protein content
Red blood cells
Abnormal (positive)
Normal (negative)
Questions:
Using the evidence available, what condition do you think this woman is suffering from and why?
What is known about the cause of this condition and what risk factors are involved?
Discuss the role of the immune system and the possible immune mechanisms involved in this condition (including immune cells involved).