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The bm12 Inducible Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: November 1, 2015
Splenic atrophy in systemic lupus erythematosus
Annals of Internal Medicine
|January 1, 1982
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause hyposplenism, a condition affecting spleen function. Patients with splenic atrophy due to SLE should receive pneumococcal vaccines to prevent infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease.
- Hyposplenism, or reduced spleen function, can occur in patients with SLE.
- Peripheral blood film analysis can suggest hyposplenism.
Observation:
- Five of 70 SLE patients exhibited blood film findings indicative of hyposplenism.
- Technetium-99m-sulfur colloid scans revealed no splenic activity in three patients.
- Computed tomography and autopsy confirmed splenic atrophy in two patients.
Findings:
- One patient experienced spontaneous remission of thrombocytopenia with functional asplenia.
- Another patient succumbed to pneumococcal septicemia, with autopsy showing splenic atrophy.
- Functional asplenia did not significantly impact the third patient's disease course.
Implications:
- Functional asplenia in SLE patients may increase susceptibility to infections.
- Polyvalent pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for SLE patients with splenic atrophy.
- Monitoring spleen function in SLE patients is crucial for managing complications.
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