Which chronic systemic disorder can affect connective tissue and has high mortality within five years of onset?

• A. Systemic lupus erythematosus
• B. Rheumatoid arthritis
• C. Hay fever
• D. Immunodeficiency diseases

Answer: (A)

This question is about a systemic autoimmune condition that can affect connective tissues throughout the body. Systemic lupus erythematosus involves autoantibody production and immune complex deposition that can inflame multiple organs and tissues—skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and more. Because it can involve so many systems, it’s described as a connective-tissue–oriented systemic disease. Mortality within five years has historically been high due to severe organ involvement like lupus nephritis or CNS disease, though prognosis has improved with modern therapies such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. That combination of widespread connective-tissue involvement and significant early mortality makes it the best fit among the options.

Rheumatoid arthritis is primarily a joint disease with possible systemic features but not typically characterized by high early mortality. Hay fever is a mild allergic condition affecting the nasal passages and eyes, not a systemic connective-tissue disorder. Immunodeficiency diseases involve problems with the immune system itself rather than a systemic inflammatory disorder of connective tissue.