Severe infection with encapsulated bacteria as the initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus: two case reports and a review of the literature.

Megan K Shaughnessy,Barbara Segal,David N Williams

doi:10.1099/jmmcr.0.001362

Abstract

Introduction: Severe bacterial infection is an unusual initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Case presentation: We describe two cases of severe encapsulated bacterial infection in women with previously undiagnosed SLE. Conclusion: Hypocomplementaemia associated with SLE is an important infection risk and should be considered in the evaluation of patients who present with unusual and severe infection with encapsulated bacteria.

Highlights

ConclusionHypocomplementaemia associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an important infection risk and should be considered in the evaluation of patients who present with unusual and severe infection with encapsulated bacteria
Severe bacterial infection is an unusual initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Case presentation: We describe two cases of severe encapsulated bacterial infection in women with previously undiagnosed SLE
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem inflammatory disease that presents in a myriad of ways, leading to difficulty and delays in diagnosis

Summary

Conclusion

Hypocomplementaemia associated with SLE is an important infection risk and should be considered in the evaluation of patients who present with unusual and severe infection with encapsulated bacteria.

Background

Findings

Discussion