Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in a child with systemic lupus erythematosus

Lupus. 2012 Jul;21(8):910-3. doi: 10.1177/0961203312436859. Epub 2012 Feb 13.

Abstract

Haematological involvement of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) - which ranges from the well-described haemolytic anaemia to macrophage activation syndrome - has a large impact on both morbidity and mortality. On the other hand, association between haematological malignities and SLE - in terms of pathophysiology and molecular genetics - is an obscure entity which has not been clarified evidently to date. Herein, we present a six-year-old female with the diagnosis of SLE who developed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia following a period of myelodysplasia. It could possibly be coincidental; however, persistent cytopenia, prominent dysplasia on bone marrow smears and azathioprine treatment may be considered as possible triggers for the development of leukaemia in the present case.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antimetabolites / adverse effects
  • Antimetabolites / therapeutic use
  • Azathioprine / adverse effects
  • Azathioprine / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / drug therapy
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes / complications*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / drug therapy
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / etiology*

Substances

  • Antimetabolites
  • Azathioprine