Systemic lupus erythematosus-associated diffuse alveolar haemorrhage: a single-centre experience in Han Chinese patients

C. R. Wang, M. F. Liu, C. T. Weng, W. C. Lin, W. T. Li, H. W. Tsai

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29 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: Despite aggressive therapeutic regimens, diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH) is still associated with a high mortality rate in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study was carried out in patients with SLE-associated DAH with a focus on their therapeutic modality. Method: A retrospective review was performed in 839 Han Chinese lupus patients hospitalized for their DAH manifestation from May 2006 to December 2016. Results: There were 24 episodes in 17 cases (2.0% incidence), 15 females and two males aged 19–67 years (mean ± sd 38.2 ± 15.1 years). High disease activity [Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) 12–31, 19.8 ± 5.6] was found at the onset of DAH. All patients were treated with high-dose corticosteroid, followed by pulse methylprednisolone (70.6%), plasmapheresis (41.2%), pulse cyclophosphamide (35.3%), and rituximab (23.5%). Six patients (35.3%), including three with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, died owing to acute respiratory failure. All patients receiving rituximab treatment survived with a follow-up period of 12–58 months (40.8 ± 21.1 months), and no further relapse was noted in three cases with a history of recurrent DAH episodes. In addition, there was a significant decrease in their lupus activity (SLEDAI-2K 21.5 ± 6.0 to 6.3 ± 1.7, p = 0.0286). Conclusion: In this single-centre series with SLE-associated DAH in Han Chinese patients, a beneficial effect of rituximab therapy was observed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)392-399
Number of pages8
JournalScandinavian Journal of Rheumatology
Volume47
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018 Sept 3

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Rheumatology
  • Immunology

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