ISSN:
1432-1440
Keywords:
Meningococcal sepsis
;
Disseminated lupus erythematosus
;
Nephrotic syndrome
;
Plasmapheresis
;
Immunosuppressive pharmacotherapy
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary A 17-year-old female with a 5-year history of disseminated lupus erythematosus has remained without immunosuppressive therapy for the last 3 years. She was admitted to the hospital for acute abdominal pain, generalized edema, and rapidly developing dyspnea and somnolence. Al-though all symptoms were consistent with active SLE, septicemia was suspected because of leukocytosis (20,000/Μl), greatly elevated C-reactive protein (45 mg/dl), and normal complement values (C3 0.74 g/l, C4 0.21 g/l). Directly after bacterial blood cultures were prepared, a combined treatment was instituted consisting of plasmapheresis (3×2.1 l against fresh frozen plasma), antibiotics, prednisolone, and cyclophosphamide following the last plasmapheresis. Within three days cerebral function returned to normal, edema improved, and CRP fell to 0.5 mg/dl. The blood cultures and pericardial effusion displayed meningococcal colonies.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01646657
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