Pay close attention to drug-induced lupus / 中西医结合学报

ABSTRACT

Drug-induced lupus (DIL) is a lupus-like illness that has been recognized as a side effect of over 80 drugs since its first description in association with sulfadiazine in 1945. The epidemiology and clinical course of idiopathic systemic lupus erythematosus and DIL differ markedly, and prognosis is generally favorable in the latter although occasional life-threatening cases have been reported in the literature. Constant pharmacovigilance is crucial for prompt diagnosis and cessation of offending therapy, hence achieving the best outcome. This review discusses the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of DIL so as to call for vigilance of medical workers.