title: Protein-losing enteropathy associated with systemic lupus erythematosus: response to cyclophosphamide.
abstract: Protein-losing enteropathy is a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) leading to hypoalbuminemia and anasarca. We report the case of a woman with SLE who presented chronic hypoalbuminemia diagnosed as protein-losing enteropathy associated with SLE. She was refractory to prednisone and azathioprine administration but showed good response to cyclophosphamide. The diagnosis and management of hypoalbuminemia in lupus-associated enteropathy are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.
authors.forename: Gláucio R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Werner de Castro
authors.forename: Simone
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Appenzeller
authors.forename: Manoel B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Bértolo
authors.forename: Lílian Tereza Lavras
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Costallat
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D034141:Hypoalbuminemia / Q000209:etiology; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D011504:Protein-Losing Enteropathies / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D012074:Remission Induction
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D003520:Cyclophosphamide