PBL Sessions: Immunologic Diseases

Page 7

Further History (Sarah):

You further elicit the history that she has had episodes of marked facial and extremity swelling without itching or hives.

Additional laboratory test findings include:

Complement Fractions:

• C3 - normal

• C4 - low (<50%)

• C1q - low

• C2 - low

The family has used up all of their meager savings.

Tasks

• What do these findings indicate?

• What hypotheses explain these findings?

• Explain your reasoning for the hypotheses you choose.

• Can you explain the pathophysiology of the disease processes in this patient?

• What therapy, if any, needs to be given?

• What sources of health care financing are available to this family?

Stop !! Complete discussions and tasks before moving to the next page.