Abstract
Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a common chronic autoimmune disorder that can attack almost all body organs leading to the development of significant complications that can be serious and fatal. The incidence of childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus in the United State is as low as 3 per 1,000,000 children-years with a prevalence that is less than 9 per 100,000 children. Usually, childhood systemic lupus erythematosus presents acutely with more severe clinical manifestations when compared to adulthood systemic lupus erythematosus.
Methodology: We conducted this review using a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE, January 1985, through February 2017. The following search terms were used: Systemic lupus erythematosus, manifestation of childhood SLE, investigation of childhood SLE, management of childhood SLE, complication of SLE, differences between adult and pediatric SLE
Aim: In this review, we aim to study how SLE manifests differently in pediatric population when compared to adults, the laboratory work-up for SLE, and its management.
Conclusion: Childhood systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic condition that can be associated with severe outcomes due to the involvement of multiple systems in the body. Childhood systemic lupus erythematosus can be more severe than adulthood disease, with more activity of the disease, and earlier organs involvement. The most commonly found antibody is anti-nuclear antibody. Anti-dsDNA antibodies and anti-smith antibodies have higher specificity for the disease and should thus be tested before making a diagnosis. Treatment of systemic lupus in children depends mainly on corticosteroids along with immunosuppressants. The most important complication is the development of secondary infections which can be severe due to the presence of underlying immunosuppression.