Painful Fingers

This is Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (JSLE)

There are features of a multisystem illness but infection and malignancy need to be excluded with blood tests (full blood count, film), acute phase reactants, autoantibodies, complement (C3,C4), thyroid function and urinalysis. She has polyarthralgia predominantly. 

Investigations demonstrated features consistent with JSLE (mild lymphopenia, low C3 and C4. ANA positive and ds DNA positive). ESR was raised (35mm/hr) but CRP normal. Urinalysis was negative (i.e., renal involvement unlikely).

She was started on hydroxychloroquine to help joint pain.  

Impact of diagnosis upon the young person and family

• Provide disease information to improve understanding; signpost to resources (e.g., websites). 
• Discuss role of specialist team - how and who to contact for advice.

Explanation about disease process and management 

• Encourage attendance for appointments and explain why review is necessary. 
• Aim to rationalise appointments if possible to minimise disruption.
• Need for potent immunosuppression over prolonged time needing regular admission.
• Impact on fertility (males will require consideration of sperm banking prior to cyclophosphamide)
• Advice on vaccination schedules.
• Risk of thrombosis - need to avoid smoking, avoidance of oestrogen containing pills.

Communication 

• Contact the extended multidisciplinary team - specialists, primary care, school health.

• Liaise with school to improve understanding of condition, treatment and impact.

Symptom management 

• Tiredness and fatigue; advice about pacing & building up stamina. Family may need support establishing bed times, sleep hygiene & appropriate rest. 
• Regular pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDS) may help relieve joint pain.
• Impact on menstrual cycle. Consider referral for contraceptive pill although there may be concerns about oestrogen containing pills that may exacerbate disease flares.
• Advise about sun safety & use of sun block (likely most days even if not sunny) to reduce photosensitive rash.
• Side effects of corticosteroids. Explanation of the need to achieve disease control whilst minimising side effects. Many side effects are reversible; particular support is needed for;
• Weight gain - diet, exercise, consider dietician.
• Striae - consider oil-based topical or other moisturising products. Explain that striae will become less visible over time. 
• Acne - consider referral to primary care for specific treatment. 

She remained well but 3 months later developed more malaise, alopecia and joint pain. Repeat blood tests showed increase ds DNA, worse lymphopenia, anaemia and urinalysis showed proteinuria and haematuria. Her blood pressure was normal. She was admitted for assessment and had a renal biopsy which demonstrated glomerulonephritis (WHO Class IV).  She was started on IV corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide (to be given over a series of months as a day case on subsequent visits).

Whilst as an inpatient she had considerable input from the nurse and doctor to explain her disease, treatment and advice for when she was discharged home on oral corticosteroids and when to seek medical advice if she developed a fever or was unwell. She had many concerns about her corticosteroids and potential for weight gain.  She was much better after her initial treatment and had regular input from the nurses and therapists who liaised with school about her illness, coping with her medication and need for regular appointments.