title: Coexisting systemic lupus erythematosus and sickle cell disease: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.
abstract: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and sickle cell disease (SCD) are relatively common disorders with comparable prevalence among blacks. The coexistence of these 2 conditions in the same individual appears to be rare. We report 4 cases of coexisting SLE and SCD. These patients displayed a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal, central nervous system, and renal complications that may be associated with either SCD or SLE. Because of a substantial overlap between the clinical manifestations of these 2 disorders, the diagnosis of SLE in patients with SCD may be difficult to establish and is often delayed. Up to 23% of patients with SCD may have antinuclear antibodies. All patients in this series had antecedent SCD but new important complications from SLE.
authors.affiliation: Section of Rheumatology, McMaster University, 240 James Street South, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8P 3B3. naderkhalidi@sympatico.ca
authors.forename: Nader A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Khalidi
authors.forename: Harpinder
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ajmani
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Varga
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000150:complications*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male