OA01 A case report of a patient with Type 1 diabetes mellitus and systemic lupus erythematosus: a management dilemma
Authors: Ahimbisibwe Joan , Amimo Doris , Limbe Mary , Admani Bashir , Kihurani Isaac , Del-rossi Sean , Migowa Angela 
Published: August 2023

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting multiple organs. Up to 30% of patients with SLE will develop other autoimmune conditions. A few cases of SLE and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) have been reported in literature. Corticosteroids which is key in induction therapy increases the risk of hyperglycemia and hypertension. Other immunosuppressive agents such as mycophenolate mofetil used in management of lupus nephritis increase the risk of hyperglycemia. This poses a challenge in the management of SLE in a patient with T1DM.

Aim

To describe a management dilemma in caring for a child with T1DM and SLE at a tertiary referral teaching hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.

Method

Retrospective chart review of a child with T1DM and SLE at Aga Khan University Medical College East Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.

Results

We discuss a 16-year-old male patient with T1DM since nine years of age on insulin and on follow up in the endocrine clinic. He presented with complaints of facial and lower limb swelling of three days and severe frontal headache associated with nausea for one day. He was also noted to have a strong family history of Sjogren’s disease and diabetes. His initial examination revealed hypertension with a blood pressure of 184/118 mmHg, facial and lower limb oedema. He was commenced on labetalol infusion and amlodipine for blood pressure control, and was to continue with his insulin regimen. Initial urinalysis showed proteinuria and hematuria. An impression of hypertensive emergency with nephropathy was made.

Rheumatology review was requested. Investigations revealed an ANA titer of &gt; 1:1280; anti-smith and anti dsDNA antibodies were positive; low C3 and low C4. Echo showed pleural effusion. The kidney biopsy showed features of proliferative lupus nephritis class IV with no features of diabetic nephropathy. A diagnosis of SLE was made and management initiated with hydroxychloroquine, methylprednisolone for three days then oral prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil. During methylprednisolone therapy, the patient was noted to have unrecordably high blood glucose necessitating an insulin infusion for six days and close adjustment of insulin doses by the endocrinologist. Initially, after the 1st dose of methylprednisolone, his blood pressure seemed to improve. During the course of treatment, his blood pressure was elevated and difficult to control despite being on labetalol infusion, amlodipine, enalapril and carvedilol. Adjustment of antihypertensive drug doses and addition of hydralazine were made by the nephrologist, cardiologist and critical care specialist.

He was eventually discharged with controlled blood glucose and blood pressure. He is currently doing well and is on follow up in the nephrology, rheumatology and endocrinology clinics.

Conclusion

Our case report highlights the challenges that arise while managing patients with SLE and other illnesses such as T1DM. It also points out the necessity of multi-disciplinary care. This may be a challenge in many African health facilities due to a low number of specialized doctors.