| | Surgery & Procedures | Surgery
Understanding SLUD: A Guide to Scleroderma, Lupus & Related Autoimmune Diseases
SLUD is a mnemonic for a group of systemic autoimmune connective tissue diseases:
- S – Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis)
- L – Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)
- U – Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (UCTD)
- D – Dermatomyositis / Polymyositis
Shared Features
- Autoantibodies (ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-Scl-70, anti-Jo-1, etc.)
- Multi-organ involvement (skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, heart, GI, CNS)
- Female predominance (except some myositis subsets)
- Flare-remission course
Management Principles
- Immunosuppression: Corticosteroids, HCQ, MTX, MMF, CYC, rituximab, belimumab, tocilizumab, nintedanib.
- Organ-specific: ACEi for scleroderma renal crisis, PPIs for GERD, calcium channel blockers for Raynaud's.
- Monitoring: PFTs, echo, renal function, autoantibody titers.
- Multidisciplinary: Rheumatology + pulmonology, nephrology, cardiology, dermatology.
Early diagnosis and treat-to-target improve outcomes.
Surgery - Related Articles
- Vasectomy: Understanding the Procedure, Effectiveness & Recovery
- Left Tympanoplasty: Understanding the Procedure & Recovery
- Heparin Monitoring During Surgery: PTT Testing & Safety
- Essential Body Piercing Instruments: A Comprehensive Guide
- A History of Surgical Instruments: From Fingers to Modern Tools
- Post-Anesthesia Bladder Retention: Causes, Risks & Recovery
- Water Therapy for Back Surgery Recovery: Benefits & How It Works