Fatal pulmonary hemorrhage in systemic lupus erythematosus. Occurrence without hemoptysis

We describe 12 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who developed massive pulmonary hemorrhage wth very active disease. Other causes of pulmonary bleeding were excluded. Eleven of the 12 patients died, but only 4 had hemoptysis. Massive pulmonary hemorrhage should be expected, even in the absence of hemoptysis, in severely ill patients with lupus who develop acute respiratory distress with bilateral pulmonary infiltrates and a drop in hemoglobin of 3 or more g/dl. Because of the deadly nature of this complication of SLE, when it is suspected, intensive corticosteroid and immunosuppressive treatment should be instituted.

corticosteroid; acute respiratory tract disease; clinical article; diagnosis; etiology; human; immunosuppressive treatment; lung hemorrhage; lung infiltrate; priority journal; respiratory system; systemic lupus erythematosus; therapy; Adolescent; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adult; Female; Hemoptysis; Hemorrhage; Human; Lung Diseases; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic

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