Successful plasmapheresis in alveolar hemorrhage associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

The case of an 18-year-old Japanese man with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated by alveolar hemorrhage is described. The patient presented with fever, butterfly rash, and polyarthralgia, and was diagnosed with SLE. He suddenly developed alveolar hemorrhage during steroid pulse therapy. Treatment with plasmapheresis was initiated, with prompt clearing of the chest radiograph. This experience suggests that the prompt initiation of plasmapheresis should be considered for SLE patients with life-threating alveolar hemorrhage resistant to conventional immunosuppressive therapies.