Analysis of clinical features of Crohn's disease and systemic lupus erythematosus presenting symptoms of digestive system as initial manifestation

Abstract

Objective To compare the clinical features of Crohn's disease (CD) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presenting symptoms of digestive system as initial manifestations. Methods Patients with SLE presenting to our department with symptoms of digestive system such as abdominal pain and diarrhea as initial manifestations were analyzed retrospectively. During the same period, control group. Results A total of 31 SLE patients presenting symptoms of digestive system as initial manifestations were collected. Sixty-two patients with CD were selected. The symptoms of abdominal pain (P=0.014), diarrhea (P=0.016), fever (P=0.018) and hematochezia (P=0.000) were more frequent in patients with CD than those in patients with SLE. But the symptoms of bloating (P=0.001), nausea and vomiting (P=0.000) were more frequent in patients with SLE as compared to patients with CD. The levels of white blood cell (P=0.032), platelets (P=0.000) and serum albumin (P=0.032) were higher in patients with CD than those in patients with SLE. The proportion of positive stool occult blood test (P=0.007) was also higher in patients with CD than that in patients with SLE. However, the levels of AST (P=0.000) and ALT (P=0.000) were higher and the level of C3 (P=0.000) was lower in patients with SLE as compared to patients with CD.Conclusions The clinical features of SLE presenting symptoms of digestive system as initial manifestation should be differentiated from CD by physicians to facilitate correct diagnosis. Key words: Lupus erythematosus,systemic ; Crohn's disease ; Diagnosis,differential ;