Late-onset systemic lupus erythematosus-associated liver disease

Rheumatol Int. 2012 Sep;32(9):2917-20. doi: 10.1007/s00296-010-1492-4. Epub 2010 Apr 8.

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystemic autoimmune disease, which predominantly affects women under 50 years old. Although liver disease is not included in the diagnostic criteria, abnormal liver tests are common among patients with SLE and, in a significant proportion of those patients, no other underlying condition can be identified. We described a case of liver involvement in late-onset SLE presenting with a predominantly cholestatic pattern. Other conditions associated with abnormal liver tests were excluded, and the patient showed a prompt response to steroid therapy. The spectrum of the liver involvement in SLE is discussed, with emphasis on the differential diagnosis with autoimmune hepatitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Age of Onset
  • Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / diagnosis*
  • Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / drug therapy
  • Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / etiology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Hepatitis, Autoimmune / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications*
  • Middle Aged
  • Steroids / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Steroids