Plasmapheresis as rescue therapy for systemic lupus erthyematosus-associated diffuse alveolar haemorrhage

BMJ Case Rep. 2011 Mar 15:2011:bcr0220113893. doi: 10.1136/bcr.02.2011.3893.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Hemoptysis / diagnosis
  • Hemoptysis / etiology
  • Hemoptysis / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications*
  • Plasmapheresis*
  • Pulmonary Alveoli* / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Alveoli* / pathology
  • Radiography