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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
Infantile systemic lupus erythematosus presenting with pulmonary hemorrhage
James Kreindler1, Demetrius Ellis, Abhay Vats
1Division of Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania, USA.
Insights
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in infants is rare. This case shows aggressive immunosuppressive therapy can achieve remission in infants with pulmonary hemorrhage and glomerulonephritis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Neonatal Immunology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is uncommon in infants born to healthy mothers.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing pediatric SLE.
Observation:
- A male infant presented at one month with pulmonary hemorrhage and glomerulonephritis.
- Diagnosis of SLE was confirmed serologically and histologically.
Findings:
- The infant was treated with prednisone, cyclophosphamide, and mycophenolate mofetil.
- Complete serological and clinical remission was achieved at 30-month follow-up.
Implications:
- This case highlights the need for a comprehensive evaluation of respiratory and renal symptoms in neonates.
- Aggressive immunosuppressive therapy is vital for sustained remission in infantile SLE.
Abstract:
Systemic lupus erythematosus in infants born to healthy mothers is a rare entity. We describe a male infant who presented at 1 month of age with pulmonary hemorrhage and glomerulonephritis due to systemic lupus erythematosus, confirmed serologically and histologically. He was managed with a combination of prednisone and intermittent cyclophosphamide, but also received mycophenolate mofetil, with a complete serological and clinical remission at 30-month follow-up. This case underscores the importance of a broad approach to the evaluation of pulmonary hemorrhage and glomerulonephritis in the very young and the need for aggressive immunosuppressive therapy to achieve sustained serological and clinical remission.
