A case of massive ascites due to lupus peritonitis with a dramatic response to steroid pulse therapy

A 52-year-old female patient with massive ascites due to lupus peritonitis is described. Skin biopsy specimens revealed typical features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in light microscopic and immunofluorescent examinations. Immune-complexes, antinuclear antibody and hypo-complementemia were detected in the peritoneal fluid. The massive ascites responded dramatically to steroid pulse therapy. The levels of circulating immune-complexes, anti-nuclear antibody and complement in sera were also improved after such therapy. It was suggested that steroid pulse therapy may be useful for massive ascites due to lupus peritonitis.