The role of IL-18 in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus is still not definitively solved. In this study, we generated MRLlpr mice, which develop a disease resembling systemic lupus erythematosus, genetically devoid of IL-18 expression. These mice in comparison to IL-18-competent MRLlpr mice show reduced signs of renal pathogenesis, while other parameters such as mean survival time...

Recurrent pancreatitis secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus is a rare entity of unknown etiology. We report an adolescent with systemic lupus erythematosus and recurrent attacks of acute pancreatitis, which were poorly controlled with conventional therapy for approximately four years. Rituximab, a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapy resulted in remission of symptoms for more tha...

Antibodies to negatively charged phospholipids including cardiolipin have been recognized in the sera of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and other disorders. We report 4 patients who experienced cerebral infarctions and dementia in association with anticardiolipin antibodies. These patients did not have the characteristic lupus anticoagulant or systemic lupus erythematosus. The occur...

There is increased interest in using microRNAs (miRNAs) as biomarkers in different diseases. Present in body fluids, it is controversial whether or not they are mainly enclosed in exosomes, thus we studied if urinary miRNAs are concentrated inside exosomes and if the presence of systemic lupus erythematosus with or without lupus nephritis modifies their distribution pattern. We quantified speci...

An adolescent girl, a known case of spina bifida with systemic lupus, presented with bluish discolouration of three toes of the right foot. She had thrombosis of bilateral popliteal arteries. She underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of both legs and Chopart amputation of the right foot. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) occurring in a patient with spina bifida has not been pre...

Neuropsychiatric abnormalities frequently occur in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, affecting as many as 14-75% of people with this disease. High-dose steroid with or without anticoagulation is the mainstay of treatment in neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE). Use of mycophenolate as a steroid sparing drug may be a potential alternative agent in the therapy of NPLE, ...