A Case of Late-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Severe Anemia

Abstract

Summary:A 59-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of severe anemia and leucopenia. Although she developed mild arthralgia without the typical symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), positivity for anti-Sm antibodies led us to a diagnosis of late-onset SLE. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and suppression of reticulocyte production were considered to have been involved in the etiology of severe anemia. Administration of oral prednisolone (PSL) resulted in a marked improvement of the hematological abnormalities. As late-onset SLE is rare and patients tend to show the typical symptoms less frequently, close attention should be focused on latent symptoms and immunological findings.

Clinical picture of late-onset systemic lupus erythematosus in a group of Polish patients

“…6,10,11 Cytopenias are more common in late-onset SLE. 13 The course of SLE in elderly people is considered to be milder and have a better prognosis. 7,11,12 Nevertheless, owing to a higher incidence of comorbidities and greater organ damage in older people, the mortality rate tends to be higher.…”