Disseminated Lupus Erythematosus: Neurological Manifestations in Childhood: A Case Series of Two Patients
R. Icharmouhene *
Department of Pediatrics IV, Nephrology and Hemodialysis Unit, Children's Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
A. Guenoun
Department of Pediatrics IV, Nephrology and Hemodialysis Unit, Children's Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
N. Oulhyan
Department of Pediatrics IV, Nephrology and Hemodialysis Unit, Children's Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
N. Mabrouk
Department of Pediatrics IV, Nephrology and Hemodialysis Unit, Children's Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
H. Aitoumar
Department of Pediatrics IV, Nephrology and Hemodialysis Unit, Children's Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
B. Chkirat
Department of Pediatrics IV, Nephrology and Hemodialysis Unit, Children's Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric lupus encompasses the neurological and psychiatric manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus and presents a significant diagnostic challenge due to its broad clinical variability. Affecting between 14% and 75% of lupus patients, it can occur at any stage of the disease. We present two illustrative pediatric cases compiled in a pediatric nephrology unit:
Case 1: A young girl with pericarditis, cognitive impairment, and persistent headaches at the time of diagnosis.
Case 2: A boy with prolonged fever, whose disease evolution revealed neuropsychiatric lupus through the onset of visual disturbances, upper limb muscle weakness, and headaches.
These cases highlight the necessity for heightened clinical vigilance in children with lupus to allow for early detection of neurological complications.
Keywords: Disseminated lupus erythematosus, neurological manifestations, childhood