THROMBOTIC MICROANGIOPATHIC HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS IN A 25 YEARS OLD FEMALE IN CHENNAI, INDIA

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune condition, affecting multiple organs and tissues by autoantibodies and immune complexes. Hematologic manifestations of SLE include anemia, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia. The most common type of anemia seen in SLE is anemia of chronic disease. Thrombotic microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (TMHA) in SLE is very rare. Incidence of TMHA in children with SLE is common compared to adult cases of SLE. Manifestations of TMHA include presence of schistocytes in the peripheral smear, elevated bilirubin levels, elevated LDH and negative coombs test. This case report focuses on 25-year-old female diagnosed concomitantly with SLE and TMHA, and treated with steroids, blood transfusions, megakaryocyte growth factors and antibiotics.