Rapidly progressing pediatric Lupus with Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage and CNS involvement

Abstract

Key Clinical MessageSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) can have an insidious onset and a fatal prognosis in children. Patients presenting without typical signs of SLE should undergo further evaluation if they are not responding to the initial diagnosis and treatment. This is especially true for patients with rapidly progressing symptoms and deterioration in spite of treatment.AbstractPediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disorder with various organ involvement pulmonary involvement in the course of this disorder is a rare yet potentially life‐threatening complication. In this case report we highlight the findings of a 16‐year‐old girl acutely and initially presenting with cough and fever, eventually complicating to diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and gradual loss of consciousness. Although the patient was started on immunosuppressive treatment after the diagnosis of lupus, based on renal and hematological impairment, was made and initially responded, she eventually deteriorated.