Systemic lupus erythematosus complicated with chylothorax and chylous ascites: four cases reports and review of literature / 中华风湿病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the clinical features of 4 cases with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated by chylothorax and chylous ascites.Methods Clinical manifestations,laboratory examinations,treatment and prognosis of 4 patients with SLE complicated by chylothorax and chylous ascites,who were admitted to our center in recent 13 years,were retrospectively analyzed.Results Four patients were female.The average age of SLE at presentation was 38 years (ranging from 31 to 47 years of age).The average disease duration of chylothorax and chylous ascites was 6.5 months (ranging from 3 to 12 months).Of the 4 patients,3 were complicated with chylothorax and chylous ascites,and 1 with chylothorax.Three patients were treated with corticosteroid,and 2 patients were treated combined with immuno-suppressive agents (cyclophosphamide or ciclosporin A).Chylothorax and chylous ascites improved in 1 patient.Conclusion The clinical manifesta-tions of chylothorax and chylous ascites are relatively rare in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus,and more attention should be given to improve the quality of life of these patients.