BOF: 36
A 36-year-old female presents with joint and muscle pains
of several years duration and an erythematous eruption over her nose spreading
to the cheeks in a “butterfly” distribution. Investigations reveal renal
involvement as well.
After initial treatment she goes into remission.
Which of the following may cause an acute relapse in this
patient?
a)
Use of sunscreen
b)
Pregnancy
c)
Progesterone only contraceptive pill
d)
Hydroxychloroquine
e)
Penicillamine
Answer:
b)
The clinical features of the patient suggest the patient
has systemic lupus erythematosus.
The measures that may be taken to prevent a relapse are
avoidance of sunlight, avoidance of non-essential drugs and prompt treatment of
infections. Thus sunscreens should be used by the patient.
Pregnancy may cause deterioration of the condition but
progesterone only pills are safe.
Hydroxychloroquine is used in the treatment of this
condition.
Drugs such as penicillamine, hydralazine, isoniazid,
chlorpromazine, methyldopa, procainamide may cause drug-induced lupus but this
condition is distinct from systemic lupus erythematosus and these drugs do not
exacerbate systemic lupus erythematosus.
Last Updated: 18/04/06
