Open AccessMethyldopa‐induced systemic lupus erythematosus
Author(s) -
Nordstrom David M.,
West Sterling G.,
Rubin Robert L.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/anr.1780320214
Subject(s) - methyldopa , medicine , anti nuclear antibody , prednisone , danazol , antibody , immunology , gastroenterology , hemolytic anemia , serology , lupus erythematosus , anemia , autoantibody , dermatology , endometriosis , blood pressure
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.