A Case of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)-Induced Immune Thrombocytopenia Presented With Subdural Hematoma

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can cause various health problems, including issues with the blood. One common blood-related symptom in SLE is immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), which leads to low platelet counts. In some cases, SLE patients with ITP may develop a rare but serious complication called subdural hematoma (SDH), which is a type of bleeding in the brain. This combination of conditions can be challenging to manage and has a high mortality rate. In a specific case, a 14-year-old girl with chronic ITP developed a sudden headache and was diagnosed with childhood-onset SLE, leading to the development of SDH. The treatment plan had to be adjusted, and a splenectomy was considered. It's important to be aware of the association between SLE, ITP, and SDH, especially in pediatric patients, and to conduct appropriate investigations in cases of severe headaches, to rule out life-threatening causes.