By vgreene, 12 December, 2016
By vgreene, 12 December, 2016
(BMJ)—An 11-yo girl presented w/ a rash on the palms and soles x4wk, w/ 1wk of fever and malaise. Exam: Nonblanching red macular lesions w/ crusted purpura over palms and soles. Labs: Low serum complement; ANA speckled, homogeneous, titer 640. What is the dx?
Congenital syphilis
Parvovirus B19 infxn
Hand, foot, and mouth dz
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Kawasaki dz
You are correct. The dx of SLE was further suggested by dsDNA antibodies >1,000 IU/mL. Dx is guided by the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics group classification criteria to identify salient features. One fifth of SLE cases will not manifest the minimum criteria when a child is initially seen. These children should remain under surveillance. Cutaneous vasculitis lesions characterized as petechiae or palpable purpura that may blister are usually found on the face, palms, and soles. This pt was treated w/ oral steroids. Seven days later, the rash healed w/ postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Arch Dis Child doi:10.1136/archdischild-2016-311438