[Systemic lupus erythematosus and anaemia]

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Rheumatology
• Oncology

Background:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with diverse clinical manifestations.
• Anemia is a common complication in SLE patients, often multifactorial.
• Refractory anemia in SLE warrants investigation for underlying hematologic malignancies.

Observation:

• A 48-year-old woman with established SLE presented with severe anemia unresponsive to standard treatments.
• Bone marrow examination revealed findings consistent with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS).

Findings:

• The patient received treatment combining erythropoietin and cyclophosphamide pulses.
• This therapeutic regimen led to complete remission of bone marrow abnormalities and anemia.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering MDS in SLE patients with refractory anemia.
• Combined therapy with erythropoietin and cyclophosphamide may be an effective treatment strategy for SLE-associated MDS.
• Further research into the pathogenesis and management of co-occurring SLE and MDS is warranted.