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Published in:

01-08-2011

Clinical Assessment and Management of Cytopenias in Lupus Patients

Authors: Alana B. Levine, Doruk Erkan

Published in: Current Rheumatology Reports | Issue 4/2011

Abstract

Anemia, leukopenia, and/or thrombocytopenia can occur as a result of non-immune- and immune-mediated mechanisms in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Although the differential diagnosis of these cytopenias is broad and warrants a thorough evaluation, lupus disease activity and medications are common etiologic factors. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of initial treatment for immune-mediated hemolytic anemia and severe thrombocytopenia; immunosuppressive agents such as mycophenolate mofetil or azathioprine are often added for their steroid-sparing effects. Rituximab and intravenous immunoglobulin can be considered for refractory cytopenias based on a large body of anecdotal evidence and case series. Newer biologic agents such as belimumab or epratuzumab have yet to be studied specifically in systemic lupus erythematosus–mediated hematologic disorders.

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Title: Clinical Assessment and Management of Cytopenias in Lupus Patients
Authors: Alana B. Levine
Doruk Erkan
Publication date: 01-08-2011
Publisher: Current Science Inc.
Published in: Current Rheumatology Reports / Issue 4/2011
Print ISSN: 1523-3774
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6307
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-011-0179-5

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