Pure red cell aplasia and lupus.
OBJECTIVE
To review the clinical and laboratory features of all reported patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and pure red cell aplasia (PRCA).


METHODS
In addition to our patient, we identified cases reported during the years 1966-2000 by searching the MEDLINE literature (Winspirs). Clinical and laboratory features were compared with those reported in large series of patients with SLE but without PRCA.


RESULTS
Twenty-three additional cases were identified. In most cases, SLE was diagnosed either before or concomitantly with the diagnosis of PRCA. The clinical and laboratory features were not significantly different from those reported in large series of patients with SLE, except for less pleuritis and a trend toward less proteinuria, hallucinations, thrombopenia, and leukopenia. The natural history of PRCA and SLE was similar to that reported for PRCA alone. The disease responded to prednisone in the majority of cases, but patients frequently remained steroid dependent.


CONCLUSIONS
The association between SLE and PRCA is rare. The clinical and laboratory features of SLE in such patients are similar to SLE patients without PRCA with the exception of a decreased frequency of pleuritis. Response to treatment of PRCA in those with SLE is similar to patients with PRCA but without SLE.
Habib
George S
GS
Department of Internal Medicine B, Carmel Medical Center, Haifa, Israel. gshabib62@yahoo.com
Saliba
Walid R
WR
Froom
Paul
P
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications*; D012010:Red-Cell Aplasia, Pure / Q000150:complications*