Unusual presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus in a male child: a case presentation

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune connective tissue disorder that is common among women of age group 15–40 years. The novelty in our case is owed to the deceptive demographic characteristics, not only the sex (F > > M) but also of the age profile (common in 15–44 years age group) along with deviation from typical disease presentation of skin rash/arthritis/nephritic syndrome. We aim to emphasize the importance of having a high index of suspicion in any child presenting with nephrotic range proteinuria in order to prevent delay in diagnosis. Eight-year-old boy presented with generalized swelling, proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia and hypertriglyceridemia and was found to be unresponsive to systemic steroid therapy. Further testing revealed low complement levels(C3/C4) along with ANA positive, homogenous pattern (titre ≥ 1:80) and anti-dsDNA positive (titre 229:24) pointing towards the diagnosis of childhood SLE, which was made based on EULAR/ACR criteria. Subsequent renal biopsy was done in order to stage the disease and for initiation of appropriate treatment protocol. SLE is a highly heterogenous disorder in terms of clinical presentation. All patients with steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome should undergo renal biopsy as a part of their workup. This case is a learning opportunity which demonstrates that even in absence of typical disease manifestations and demographic profile, a high index of suspicion will help in rapid diagnosis and prevention of complications. Knowledge about the varied presentations of renal lupus is of utmost importance for the same.