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Isoniazid Systemic lupus erythematosus: 2 case reportsTwo patients developed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) while receiving isoniazid.A 35-year-old woman received isoniazid [dosage and route not stated] with rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol for 2 months, for lymph node tuberculosis. Following this, she received isoniazid and rifampicin. After 3 months of treatment, she presented with polyarthralgia, a pruriginous maculopapular rash on sun-exposed areas of skin and patches of alopecia on her scalp. Blood tests revealed leucopenia and anaemia. Immunological investigations showed presence of speckled-pattern antinuclear antibodies and positive results for anti-histone antibodies. She was diagnosed with isoniazidinduced lupus. Isoniazid was discontinued, and she was subsequently treated with ethambutol, rifampicin and pyrazinamide, as well as oral prednisolone and antimalarials for 6 months. One month after discontinuing isoniazid, her symptoms had completely regressed. After 6 months, her levels of antinuclear antibodies and anti-histone antibodies were negative.A 30-year-old woman was receiving isoniazid [dosage and route not stated], pyrazinamide, rifampicin and streptomycin for lymph node tuberculosis. After 1 month of treatment, she presented with tenosynovitis affecting the third finger of her right hand, and arthritis in her left ankle. Blood tests showed leucopenia, anaemia and biological inflammatory syndrome. Homogeneous pattern ANA was positive and positive native anti-DNA antibodies were measured at a significant level. Isoniazid was discontinued and she received oral prednisolone, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and antimalarials. She showed satisfactory clinical and biological progress after 3 months; immunological analysis was negative after 8 months.Author comment: We report here on two cases of isoniazid-induced lupus. Jguirim M, et al. Systemic lupus erythematosus induced by isoniazid: a rare complication to fear. Pan African Medical Journal 20: 181, Jan 2015 [French; summarised from an English translation] -Tunisia