Systemic lupus erythematosus in a 7-year-old girl: A first case report from northern Nigeria

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune multisystemic inflammatory disease that is rare in children. Though a disease of the black race it is rarely diagnosed in black African children. Only few cases have been report in Nigeria and these were in the south. We report a case of a 7-year-old girl who presented with recurrent body swellings, an unusual rash, pericardial effusion and gastro-intestinal disturbances. The diagnosis was made after serology was found to be positive for Anti-nuclear antibody (ANA). She later developed stroke which was characterized by a convulsive episode, loss of consciousness and subsequent rightsided hemiplegia. She gradually regained consciousness after three days with residual weakness of the right side of her body. She has commenced prednisolone and is currently on follow-up at our clinic. SLE though rareshould be considered in any child with multiorgan disease, nephritis or stroke, especially after common conditions in our environment have been excluded.

Key words; Systemic lupus erythematosus, serositis, stroke, nephritis, rashes.