Plasmapheresis as rescue therapy for systemic lupus erthyematosus-associated diffuse alveolar haemorrhage.
Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH) is a rare complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which can have a potentially lethal outcome. Conventional treatments of the condition include cyclophosphamide and intravenous immunoglobulins. Successful treatment with rituximab and plasmapheresis has also been described. The authors report the case of a woman recently diagnosed with SLE who developed DAH refractory to conventional treatment while on immunosuppressive treatment for class III lupus nephritis whose DAH responded to plasmapheresis.
Department of Renal, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital Trust, London, UK. simonclaridge@doctors.org.uk
Simon
S
Claridge
Partha
P
Das
Anthony
A
Dorling
Michael G
MG
Robson
Michael
M
Robson
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006469:Hemoptysis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications*; D010956:Plasmapheresis; D011650:Pulmonary Alveoli / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D011859:Radiography