Thrombosis in systemic lupus erythematosus: a French collaborative study
Article Abstract:
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a connective tissue disease that causes muscle weakness, fatigue, joint pain similar to arthritis, skin rash, and kidney damage. The cause of SLE is unknown, but it is thought to be an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system attacks and destroys the body's own tissues. Thrombosis (the formation of blood clots in blood vessels) has been reported to occur in adults with SLE. To determine the incidence of thrombosis in children with SLE, 120 children with SLE who were living in Paris were examined. Eleven (9 percent) of the children with SLE had thrombosis, most often involving the legs. The most common symptoms in the patients with SLE and thrombosis were rash, arthritis, blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis), kidney inflammation (nephritis), and abnormally low levels of blood cells called platelets (thrombocytopenia). Seventy-three percent of the patients with SLE and thrombosis had proteins called lupus anticoagulants in their blood, while only 14 percent of the patients with SLE who did not have thrombosis had these anticoagulants. All of the patients with SLE were treated with steroids, and those with thrombosis were treated with anticoagulant drugs to prevent blood clots. All of the patients survived except for three, who developed either pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) or complications following a kidney transplant. It is concluded that thrombosis can occur in children with SLE, and that the presence of lupus anticoagulants in the blood may be a predictor of thrombosis. Many patients with lupus anticoagulants can be treated with aspirin to prevent thrombosis. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Archives of Disease in Childhood
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-9888
Year: 1991
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
A snake with 2 heads? Pitfalls in diagnosis and management of uterus didelphys with obstructed hemivaginae
Article Abstract:
A 12-year-old girl with vaginal discharge and severe abdominal pain illustrates typical symptoms of uterus didelphys, a congenital malformation of the uterus. This birth defect, caused by abnormal development of the reproductive organs in the embryo, produces a double uterus. Diagnosis in this patient was delayed by inadequate vaginal examination, and her care included unnecessary surgery. Uterus didelphys can produce irregular menstrual periods, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and pain. Correct diagnosis requires complete gynecologic examination and appropriate imaging.
Publication Name: Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1072-4710
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Traumatic brain injury and time to onset of Alzheimer's diseases: a population-based study. Proposed guidelines for the participation of persons with dementia as research subjects
- Abstracts: The left paratracheal reflection. Who cares: a reflection on healing communities. Tracheal carinal angle and left atrial size
- Abstracts: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation policies and practices: a statewide nursing home study. Smoke-free policies in schools: a qualitative investigation of the benefits and barriers
- Abstracts: Etidocaine hydrochloride in surgical procedures: effects on postoperative analgesia. Interpleural analgesia
- Abstracts: Adenomyosis in Pakistani women: four year experience at the Aga Khan University Medical Centre, Karachi. Helping trauma victims 'failed by system.' (Fife College and University of Abertay Dundee set up trauma management initiative)