Atopic eczema complicated by systemic lupus erythematosus

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Dermatology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Atopic eczema (AE) is a common inflammatory skin condition.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease.
• The co-occurrence of AE and SLE is rarely reported.

Observation:

• Two male patients, aged 25 and 27, with atopic eczema developed systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Both patients presented with positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) and specific autoantibodies (anti-ssDNA, anti-SSA, anti-RNP, anti-dsDNA).
• A review of 33 SLE patients revealed a 12% incidence of prior atopic eczema.

Findings:

• The study highlights a potential association between atopic eczema and the development of systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Elevated autoantibody levels in ANA-positive patients with AE warrant further investigation.
• Simultaneous occurrence of AE and SLE, though rare, has been observed.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider screening for SLE in atopic eczema patients with positive autoantibodies.
• Long-term monitoring for SLE development is recommended for AE patients with positive autoantibodies.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking AE and SLE.