Korean J Med.  2004 Nov;67(Suppl 3):S896-S901.

A case of systemic lupus erythematosus presented with refractory serositis and nephritis during pregnancy

• Park HR
• Song JS
• Shin JI
• Park BH
• Park W

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by autoantibodies and immune complex depositions, has been known that it could be aggravated during pregnancy. We report a case who developed massive pericardial effusion, pleural effusion, and proteinuria during the second trimester of pregnancy. This patient had a history of leukopenia for several years and showed several features of SLE before pregnancy, however, no specific diagnosis was made before pregnancy. High dose oral glucocorticoid with intravenous immunoglobulin administration was done, but serositis and nephritis did not improve. The induced abortion and the use of immunosuppresive agent resulted in remission. We emphasize the importance of the early diagnosis and management of SLE before pregnancy in the patients with the features of autoimmune disease such as leukopenia, skin lesion and Raynaud phenomenon for successful outcome.

Keyword

Systemic lupus erythematosus; Serositis; Lupus nephritis; Pregnancy

MeSH Terms

Abortion, Induced
Antigen-Antibody Complex
Autoantibodies
Autoimmune Diseases
Diagnosis
Early Diagnosis
Female
Humans
Immunoglobulins
Leukopenia
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic*
Lupus Nephritis
Nephritis*
Pericardial Effusion
Pleural Effusion
Pregnancy Trimester, Second
Pregnancy*
Proteinuria
Raynaud Disease
Serositis*
Skin
Antigen-Antibody Complex
Autoantibodies
Immunoglobulins