A report of systemic lupus erythematosus accompanying acute pancreatitis

Abstract

Objective: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-system autoimmune disease, in which multiple organs are involved. Lupus with pancreatitis (LP) is a rare disease. It is an effective strategy for clinical work to comprehensively study the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of LP.

Methods: A report of 42-year-old female patient with intermittent arthralgia more than 10 years, rash, edema on double lower limbs for 7 years. The patient’s condition was worsened for 10 days, given a diagnosis of SLE nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain after admission. Examinations: blood amylase 612 U/L, urine amylase 3,345 U/L. Ultrasound: pancreas swelled with a change in texture, with ascites (medium). Considered as severe acute pancreatitis, the patient was given treatment with 80 mg methylprednisolone qd, 0.2 g cyclophosphamide ivgtt qod, fasting. It was required of gastrointestinal decompression, acid suppression, somatostatin inhibiting pancreatic secretion, anti-inflammatory treatment, intraperitoneal perfusion of antibiotics and other symptomatic treatments. The symptoms were relieved after 18 days.

Results: Hormones were selected and combined with immunosuppressants to relieve symptoms with the aid of gastrointestinal decompression, acid suppression, somatostatin and anti-inflammatory therapy.

Conclusions: It is critical to summarize the characteristics of LP, diagnose early and give individualized treatment in order to relieve LP.