Case Report
Volume: 4 | Issue: 4 | Published: May 05, 2020 | Pages: 123 - 125 | DOI: 10.24911/ejmcr/173-1566719209
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus associated refractory pancytopenia responding only to intravenous immunoglobulins
Authors: Tahir Iqbal , Wajahat Sultan Baig , Saamia Arshad , Sara Altaf Awan
Article Info
Authors
Tahir Iqbal
Department of Medicine, Shifa College of Medicine (Shifa Tameer e Millat University), Consultant Medical Specialist, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
Wajahat Sultan Baig
Senior Registrar, Department of Medicine, Shifa College of Medicine(Shifa Tameer e Millat University), Islamabad, Pakistan
Saamia Arshad
4th year Medical student in MBBS Program, Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad, Pakistan
Sara Altaf Awan
Post Graduate Resident, Haematology Department, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
Publication History
Received: August 26, 2019
Accepted: April 23, 2020
Published: May 05, 2020
Abstract
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..
Keywords: SLE, pancytopenia, intravenous immunoglobulins, case report, green
