Methyldopa-induced systemic lupus erythematosus

Arthritis Rheum. 1989 Feb;32(2):205-8. doi: 10.1002/anr.1780320214.

Abstract

Thirteen months after starting methyldopa therapy, a 55-year-old white male patient presented with a syndrome of hemolytic anemia, arthritis, photosensitivity, and a positive antinuclear antibody test result. Methyldopa-induced antinuclear antibodies were mainly IgG, directed against class H1 histones. Antibodies to native DNA and nonhistone proteins were not detected. Upon withdrawal of methyldopa therapy, and with a short course of prednisone and danazol therapy, the patient's symptoms and hemolytic anemia resolved. His clinical symptoms and serologic abnormalities returned to normal and remained negative after 2 years of followup.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Antinuclear / analysis
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Histones / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / analysis
  • Immunoglobulin M / analysis
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / chemically induced*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / diagnosis
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology
  • Male
  • Methyldopa / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antinuclear
  • Histones
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Methyldopa