Childhood lupus emergency presentation: Is early treatment justified: A case series

Abstract

Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus is a multisystem disorder of autoimmune aetiology and is diagnosed on the basis of criteria such as the constitutional symptoms, various symptoms, and signs related to multi-system involvement and supporting laboratory investigations. It is sometimes very challenging when we come across some JSLE cases with an atypical presentation or as a catastrophe. We have discussed a few atypical cases of systemic lupus erythematosus here. Definitive diagnostic tests such as the anti-nuclear antibody with a high negative predictive value and other diagnostic tests would take time and it is worth starting treatment rather than waiting for the investigations in some cases. This case report study is to sensitise the treating paediatrician to use clinical acumen to plan meticulously the management of JSLE cases.