A case of massive ascites due to lupus peritonitis with a dramatic response to steroid pulse therapy.
A 52-year-old female patient with massive ascites due to lupus peritonitis is described. Skin biopsy specimens revealed typical features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in light microscopic and immunofluorescent examinations. Immune-complexes, antinuclear antibody and hypo-complementemia were detected in the peritoneal fluid. The massive ascites responded dramatically to steroid pulse therapy. The levels of circulating immune-complexes, anti-nuclear antibody and complement in sera were also improved after such therapy. It was suggested that steroid pulse therapy may be useful for massive ascites due to lupus peritonitis.
Ishiguro
N
N
Department of Medicine, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Tomino
Y
Y
Fujito
K
K
Nakayama
S
S
Koide
H
H
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000032:analysis; D001201:Ascites / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000150:complications; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D003165:Complement System Proteins; D008775:Methylprednisolone