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The bm12 Inducible Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: November 1, 2015
Lupus erythematosus in children: a report of six cases
Samy Fenniche1, Sana Triki, Rym Benmously
1Dermatology Department, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis.
Insights
Childhood lupus erythematosus, including discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), can progress to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this chronic condition in children.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Rheumatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Childhood lupus erythematosus shares clinical features with adult forms but has a higher transition rate to systemic disease.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a significant rheumatic disease in children, associated with considerable morbidity and mortality.
- Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) can potentially progress to SLE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on cases of childhood lupus erythematosus observed over a 14-year period.
- To analyze the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of childhood DLE and SLE.
- To highlight the potential progression from DLE to SLE in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of childhood lupus erythematosus cases from 1989 to 2003.
- Inclusion of six cases: three with DLE and three with SLE.
- Diagnosis confirmed via histopathology, direct immunofluorescence, and immunologic findings.
Main Results:
- Mean age of onset was 12 years, with skin manifestations in sun-exposed areas and photosensitivity in all cases.
- Treatment involved sun avoidance, hydroxychloroquine, and steroids.
- Average follow-up was 18.1 months, with observed progression from DLE to SLE in some cases.
Conclusions:
- Childhood lupus erythematosus requires vigilant monitoring due to potential progression to SLE.
- Early and accurate diagnosis through histopathology and immunologic markers is essential.
- Management strategies include sun protection, hydroxychloroquine, and corticosteroids.
Abstract:
The clinical features of childhood discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) are similar to those of adult DLE in presentation and chronic course. However, children have a particularly high levels of transition to systemic disease. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common rheumatic disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality in children. This is a retrospective study reporting all cases of childhood lupus erythematosus observed in the dermatology department of Habib Thameur Hospital over a 14-year period. From 1989 to 2003, six cases of childhood lupus erythematosus are included, three patients with discoid lupus erythematosus (2 girls, 1 boy), and three patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (2 boys, 1 girl). The mean age of onset was 12 years (range 10-16 years). Skin manifestations were localized in sun exposed areas in both discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus. Photosensitivity was noted in all cases. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathologic examination, direct immunofluorescence, and immunologic findings. Treatment included sun avoidance, oral hydroxychloroquine, and topical and systemic steroids. An average follow-up time was 18.1 months (1-96 months). The severity of onset of SLE is usually greater in children than adults. We note that lupus erythematosus is not a static disease and progression from DLE to SLE is possible.
