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Hypothermia and systemic lupus erythematosus.
S L Kugler1, D T Costakos, A M Aron
1Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, City University of New York, New York 10029.
The Journal of Rheumatology
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause rare hypothermia in patients with polymyositis and neuropsychiatric symptoms. This case highlights a potential adverse reaction to prednisone treatment in SLE patients.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Neurology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with diverse clinical manifestations.
- Polymyositis and neuropsychiatric symptoms are known SLE complications.
- Hypothermia is an uncommon presentation in SLE patients.
Observation:
- An 18-year-old African American woman with SLE experienced worsening polymyositis and neuropsychiatric symptoms.
- The patient developed persistent hypothermia lasting 5 days after initiating prednisone therapy.
Findings:
- This case represents a rare instance of drug-induced hypothermia in the context of SLE exacerbation.
- The patient's hypothermia occurred despite standard SLE treatment with prednisone.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering hypothermia as a potential adverse effect of prednisone in SLE patients.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms linking SLE, prednisone, and hypothermia.
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for hypothermia in SLE patients presenting with similar symptoms.