Lupus Flares in COVID-19 Patients: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is closely related to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). COVID-19 can cause SLE with the formation of autoantibodies. SLE patients have dysregulation and weakness in the immune system, so they are vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. A 29-year-old man came to the Emergency Unit with fever and weakness complaints. Follow-up examination revealed thrombocytopenia, increased neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, and elevated hsCRP. A chest X-ray showed pneumonia, PCR examination showed a positive result for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the ANA IF level was 1/320, and the ANA profile test was positive for PCNA antibodies. Diagnosis and treatment of SLE patients with COVID-19 coinfection become problematic because COVID-19 is a hyperinflammatory disease like SLE. Immunosuppressant drugs in SLE will cause weakness of the immune system and broader spread of the virus, so it needs strict evaluation and proper timing of drug administration. © 2022 UPM Press. All rights reserved.