Final answer:
The MCC of death in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is organ damage, particularly kidney failure due to lupus nephritis. SLE can cause a wide range of symptoms and its diagnosis includes the presence of specific autoantibodies. Effective management is important to prevent severe organ damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common cause of death (MCC) in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is organ damage resulting from the disease itself, particularly kidney failure (also known as lupus nephritis). SLE leads to a type III hypersensitivity reaction where autoantibodies form immune complexes with self antigens, causing widespread inflammation and damage to various organs. The presence of these autoantibodies, such as anti-double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA) and anti-Sm antibodies, is considered diagnostic for SLE. The kidney is one of the most commonly affected organs, and when damaged to the extent of renal failure, it becomes a life-threatening complication.
Patients with SLE may experience a vast array of symptoms including fatigue, joint pain, a characteristic butterfly rash, and others stated in Figure 20.6.6. Management and prognosis of SLE vary depending on the presence and severity of organ involvement. Close monitoring and medical treatment are crucial to manage the disease and prevent organ damage. The diagnosis of SLE is based on certain criteria, which include identifying specific symptoms and the production of autoantibodies unique to SLE.