Procainamide-lnduced Lupus Syndrome in Siblings

Abstract

THE FAMILIAL occurrence of systemic lupus erythematosus in man and experimental animals is a well-recognized phenomenon.¹While the induction of the lupus syndrome by procainamide hydrochloride^2,3has become commonplace, there have been no reports, to our knowledge, of procainamide-induced lupus in siblings. We are reporting the development of this drug-induced lupus syndrome in a man whose sister suffered a similar reaction ten years earlier. She was case 2 in a series of four reported inThe Journalin 1965.³ <h3>Report of a Cas</h3> A 69-year-old man was admitted to St. Luke's Hospitals on July 9, 1974. He had enjoyed good health until two years prior to admission, when shortness of breath and swelling of ankles developed. Despite moderate congestive heart failure, he refused admission. He was treated with digoxin, furosemide, and an orally administered potassium supplement. His condition subsequently improved and all medications were discontinued four months