Systemic lupus erythematosus and acute demyelinating polyneuropathy.
Guillain-Barré syndrome has been described only rarely in patients with SLE. In this Grand Round we describe a 33-yr-old patient who presented with features of central nervous system lupus, thrombocytopenia, and a severe haemolytic anaemia. Within a few days of her admission, following the commencement of steroid therapy, and a grand mal seizure, the patient developed paralysis of her lower limbs, due to an acute demyelinating polyneuropathy, and subsequently a retinal vasculitis. We discuss the epidemiological and possible immunopathological links between SLE and Guillain-Barré syndrome, and possible treatment strategies.
Robson
M G
MG
Rheumatology Unit, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, London.
Walport
M J
MJ
Davies
K A
KA
D000328:Adult; D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000150:complications; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000150:complications; D003711:Demyelinating Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications*; D011129:Polyradiculoneuropathy / Q000150:complications; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000150:complications; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000150:complications; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000150:complications