A clinical update on paediatric lupus
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus in children is a life-threatening chronic disease that is being increasingly recognised. More black African children are being diagnosed and the proportion of males affected is much higher than in adult-onset lupus. The presenting manifestations of childhood-onset lupus are variable and many systems are involved. Children with lupus often present late with severe disease, and in South African (SA) children severe lupus nephritis occurs commonly at presentation. The investigations for lupus should be performed in a three-step process – initial essential investigations, antibody and serological tests, and supplementary investigations. The most important factor in the management is to involve a multidisciplinary team as soon as possible. All cases of lupus in SA should be discussed with a paediatric specialist so that a tailored management plan can be made, depending on the presenting features and course of the disease.Copyright remains in the Author’s name. The work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution - Noncommercial Works License. Authors are required to complete and sign an Author Agreement form that outlines Author and Publisher rights and terms of publication. The Agreement form should be uploaded along with other submissions files and any submission will be considered incomplete without it [forthcoming].
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