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Published on: November 1, 2015
Systemic lupus erythematosus in Kuwaiti children: organ system involvement and serological findings
K Alsaeid1, H Kamal, M Z Haider
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait. khaledalsaeid@hotmail.com
Insights
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Kuwaiti children frequently involves the blood system, with less common kidney and neurological issues. Males showed a tendency towards major organ involvement compared to females.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in children can cause severe organ damage.
- Disease presentation varies based on factors like age and gender.
- Understanding regional variations in pediatric SLE is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze organ involvement and immunological markers in Kuwaiti children with SLE.
- To investigate the influence of gender and age of onset on disease presentation.
- To compare findings with international pediatric SLE cohorts.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 35 Kuwaiti children diagnosed with SLE.
- Evaluation of major organ systems: renal, hematological, cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic, and CNS.
- Assessment of serologic markers: ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm, SSA, SSB, anti-cardiolipin, C3, and C4 levels.
Main Results:
- Hematological involvement was most prevalent (34%), including thrombocytopenia (23%) and hemolytic anemia (20%).
- Renal involvement (biopsy-proven) occurred in 29% of patients.
- Neuropsychiatric manifestations were observed in 14% of patients.
- Males exhibited a trend towards greater major organ involvement.
- All patients tested positive for antinuclear antibodies (ANA); males had higher anti-dsDNA positivity (100%) than females (86%).
Conclusions:
- Kuwaiti children with SLE show a high frequency of hematological manifestations.
- Renal disease and neuropsychiatric abnormalities appear less common in this cohort compared to global reports.
- Gender may influence organ system involvement in pediatric SLE.
Abstract:
The course and severity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in children is generally similar to the adult form with potential serious organ system involvement, there are, however, factors that influence the prevalence and clinical behavior of the disease. Our objective was to analyse the organ system involvement and immunological findings in Kuwaiti children with SLE in relation to gender and age of onset and compare these findings to that in published reports. Organ system involvement and serologic profiles were analysed in 35 children with SLE. The major organ systems studied were: renal, hematological, cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic and the central nervous system. The prevalence of ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm, SSA, SSB and anti-cardiolipin antibodies were studied in addition to complement C3 and C4 levels. The results showed that a high percentage of children had hematological involvement (34%); thrombocytopenia (23%) and hemolytic anemia (20%). Renal involvement was proven by biopsy in only 10 children (29%). Neuropsychiatric manifestations were seen in five (14%) of patients. Males had a tendency for major organ involvement relative to females. All patients had positive ANA tests. All males had positive anti-dsDNA tests compared to 86% of female patients. The most significant finding in this study is the high frequency of hematological manifestations and the relatively low incidence of renal disease and neuropsychiatric abnormalities in Kuwaiti children with SLE.
