Epstein barr virus infection and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) debut in an adolescent

  • Sofía García ORCID: 0000-0002-3402-3257
  • Marcos Delfino ORCID: 0000-0003-0910-1935
  • Rodrigo Suárez ORCID: 0000-0003-1018-9225
  • Stella Gutiérrez ORCID: 0000-0001-7529-788X
Keywords: Adolescent medicine, hemolytic anemia, infectious mononucleosis, systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), prototype of
autoimmune disease, progresses with flares and remissions. Given
the diversity of possible presentations, its diagnosis and treatment
are a challenge for the clinician, and a high index of suspicion is
required.
Objective: To present the clinical case of an adolescent who
debuted with SLE in the form of hemolytic anemia, probably
triggered by Epstein Barr virus infection.
Clinical case: 14 – year – old male, with no history to highlight.
Consultation for fever of 7 days of evolution of up to 39º C,
odynophagia, asthenia and adynamia. Physical examination revealed
mucous skin pallor, jaundice, cervical lymphadenopathy, and
hepatosplenomegaly. The laboratory shows severe regenerative
anemia with increased bilirubin at the expense of indirect without
hepatitis. Positive Coombs test. Specific antibodies for Epstein
Barr were positive, with which hemolytic anemia secondary to
mononucleosis was diagnosed and corticosteroid treatment was started.

In the evolution, it adds malar erythema and limitation in
flexion of the elbows and knees. Positive antinuclear and anti-native
DNA antibodies are received with severe hypocomplementemia.
With a diagnosis of SLE, hydroxychloroquine and azathioprine were
started, maintaining prednisone.
Conclusions: Many viruses (hepatitis C, Parvovirus B19, Epstein Barr
and Cytomegalovirus) have been described as possible inducers or
mimics of SLE. It is necessary to maintain a high index of suspicion for
timely diagnosis and early treatment.

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Author Biographies

Sofía García , ORCID: 0000-0002-3402-3257
  • Doctora en Medicina. Ex Residente de Pediatría del CASMU IAMPP, Montevideo, Uruguay.
Marcos Delfino, ORCID: 0000-0003-0910-1935
  • Profesor Adjunto de Clínica Pediátrica de la Universidad de la República, Uruguay. Infectología Pediátrica. Pediatra en CASMU IAMPP, Montevideo, Uruguay.  
Rodrigo Suárez, ORCID: 0000-0003-1018-9225

Pediatra. Reumatología pediátrica en CASMU IAMPP, Montevideo, Uruguay.

Stella Gutiérrez, ORCID: 0000-0001-7529-788X

Ex Profesora Agregada de Clínica Pediátrica de la Universidad de la República, Uruguay. Infectología Pediátrica. Jefe del Departamento de Pediatría de CASMU IAMPP, Montevideo, Uruguay.

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Published
2022-11-11
How to Cite
García , S., Delfino, M., Suárez, R., & Gutiérrez, S. (2022). Epstein barr virus infection and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) debut in an adolescent. Anales De La Facultad De Medicina, 9(2). https://doi.org/10.25184/anfamed2022v9n2a7