Drug-induced systemic lupus erythematosus in a child living with HIV

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Pediatric Autoimmunity
• Drug-Induced Diseases

Background:

• Pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) accounts for 10% of all SLE cases.
• Diagnosis and management of pediatric SLE present unique challenges.
• Pediatric SLE often shows a less pronounced male-to-female ratio, increased organ damage, and higher disease activity than adult-onset SLE.

Observation:

• Drug-induced lupus erythematosus is uncommon in pediatric patients.
• A case of drug-induced SLE in a child undergoing antiretroviral therapy is presented.

Findings:

• The presented case highlights a rare instance of drug-induced lupus erythematosus in a pediatric patient.
• Antiretroviral therapy was implicated as the potential cause of SLE in this child.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering drug-induced causes for SLE in children, particularly those on specific medications.
• Further research may be needed to understand the link between antiretroviral drugs and SLE development in pediatric populations.
• Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for drug-induced lupus erythematosus in children presenting with SLE symptoms.