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SLE Diagnosis — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

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ModerateRheumatologySLE DiagnosisRACP Paediatrics

A 6-year-old girl presents with a butterfly rash on the face, joint pain, fatigue, oral ulcers, and proteinuria. ANA is positive at 1:1280. Anti-dsDNA is positive. Complement C3 and C4 are low. What is the diagnosis?

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Correct answer: A — Systemic lupus erythematosus

SLE in children presents with multisystem involvement: malar rash, arthritis, oral ulcers, serositis, renal disease, haematological abnormalities, and neuropsychiatric features. ANA and anti-dsDNA are characteristic. Low complement suggests active disease. Lupus nephritis is more common and more severe in childhood-onset SLE than adult-onset.

Reference: RCH Melbourne – 2024 – Clinical Practice Guidelines: SLE