Rare haematological complication of a rheumatological disease

Abstract

Abstract A 16-year-old female presented with complaints of low-grade fever for 4 months associated with generalised weakness, loss of appetite, significant loss of weight and loss of hair. On examination, pallor was evident. Rest of the examination was normal. Initial investigations revealed haemoglobin of 7 g/dL, white blood cell count of 3000 cells/mm3 and platelet count of 25,000/mm3. Bone marrow biopsy revealed 30% cellularity, suggestive of hypoplastic marrow. Further investigations revealed anti-nuclear antibody (4+ homogeneous pattern and 2+ cytoplasmic pattern); anti-dsDNA antibody was positive, low complements. A diagnosis of hypoplastic anaemia secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus was made.