Background: We, here, describe the case of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) with pancytopenia, refractory to steroids immunosuppressive therapy, and plasmapharesis that ultimately responded to intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG). To the best of our knowledge, very few cases of this type have been reported in literature.
Case presentation: A 40-year-old female presented with complaints of hematemesis, hematochezia, gum bleed, epistaxis, menorrhagia, and fever. After careful examination and investigation she was diagnosed with SLE associated with pancytopenia refractory to conventional means of treatment. Pancytopenia responds normally to steroids and immunosuppressive agents in these patients however our patient responded only to IVIG.
Conclusion: This case report highlights the fact that early use of Intravenous immunoglobulins in patients of SLE with severe and refractory pancytopenia can prevent morbidity and mortality..
Key words: SLE, pancytopenia, intravenous immunoglobulins, case report.
|
