Paediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with chronic diarrhea as an initial presentation.

Abstract

Lupus enteritis (LE) is a rare manifestation of Childhood Systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). The presentation is non-specific i.e loose motions, non-specific abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Presenting as a sole initial clinical finding in the absence of other common findings of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) makes the diagnosis challenging. After a detailed workup, our patient was diagnosed with LE based on history, physical and laboratory investigations and responded well with initial management. Our report emphasizes the rarity of LE and the significance of its prevalence in the childhood population due to increased morbidity, mortality and complications such as intestinal bleeding, perforation and infarction. With early diagnosis and treatment, there is an excellent prognosis.