Methyldopa-induced systemic lupus erythematosus

David M. Nordstrom, D M Nordstrom, S G West, Sterling G. West, R L Rubin, Robert L. Rubin
Arthritis and rheumatism · 1989 · vol. 32(2) , pp. 205–208 · doi:10.1002/anr.1780320214 · PMID:2645875 · W2149285764
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This case report describes a patient who developed methyldopa-induced systemic lupus erythematosus characterized by hemolytic anemia and arthritis, with symptoms resolving after drug withdrawal.

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Abstract

Thirteen months after starting methyldopa therapy, a 55-year-old white male patient presented with a syndrome of hemolytic anemia, arthritis, photosensitivity, and a positive antinuclear antibody test result. Methyldopa-induced antinuclear antibodies were mainly IgG, directed against class H1 histones. Antibodies to native DNA and nonhistone proteins were not detected. Upon withdrawal of methyldopa therapy, and with a short course of prednisone and danazol therapy, the patient's symptoms and hemolytic anemia resolved. His clinical symptoms and serologic abnormalities returned to normal and remained negative after 2 years of followup.

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MeSH descriptors

Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic Methyldopa Antibodies, Antinuclear Antibodies, Antinuclear Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Fluorescent Antibody Technique Follow-Up Studies Histones Histones Humans Immunoglobulin G Immunoglobulin G Immunoglobulin M Immunoglobulin M Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic Male Methyldopa Middle Aged

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