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09:43
Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lupus-prone MRL/lpr Mice
Published on: June 8, 2022
Sun-induced life-threatening lupus nephritis
Enno Schmidt1, Hans-Peter Tony, Eva-Bettina Bröcker
1Department of Dermatology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|September 26, 2007
Summary
Sun exposure can trigger lupus erythematosus (LE) flares, causing skin and internal organ involvement. This case highlights how sunburn can activate dormant systemic lupus, leading to nephritis and necessitating aggressive treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Photosensitivity is a common feature of lupus erythematosus (LE).
- Sun-induced internal organ involvement in LE is infrequently reported.
- Systemic LE remission can be disrupted by environmental triggers like UV radiation.
Observation:
- A patient in long-term remission of systemic LE developed sunburn after sunbathing.
- The sunburn led to cutaneous LE in sun-exposed areas.
- Six weeks later, lupus nephritis and elevated autoantibodies (anti-dsDNA, anti-Ro/SSA) were diagnosed.
Findings:
- Treatment with cyclophosphamide and prednisolone resulted in septicemia and required intensive care.
- Clinical remission was achieved with prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil.
- Mild proteinuria persisted, but anti-dsDNA antibodies normalized.
Implications:
- Sunburn may act as a trigger for systemic LE flares by exposing intracellular antigens.
- UV radiation can precipitate not only skin manifestations but also internal organ damage in LE.
- This case underscores the critical role of UV protection in managing patients with lupus erythematosus.
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