Editorial
Copyright ©2010 Baishideng. All rights reserved
World J Gastroenterol. Jun 28, 2010; 16(24): 2971-2977
Published online Jun 28, 2010. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i24.2971
Gastrointestinal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus: Insight into pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment
Xin-Ping Tian, Xuan Zhang
Xin-Ping Tian, Xuan Zhang, Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
Author contributions: Tian XP collected all the data; Tian XP and Zhang X wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: Xuan Zhang, Professor, MD, Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China. zxpumch2003@yahoo.com.cn
Telephone: +86-10-88068795 Fax: +86-10-88068794
Received: January 15, 2010
Revised: March 3, 2010
Accepted: March 10, 2010
Published online: June 28, 2010
Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of a plethora of autoantibodies and immune complex formation. Virtually every system and organ can be affected by SLE. Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in SLE patients, and more than half of them are caused by adverse reactions to medications and viral or bacterial infections. Though not as common as lupus nephritis, SLE-related gastrointestinal involvement is clinically important because most cases can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Lupus mesenteric vasculitis is the most common cause, followed by protein-losing enteropathy, intestinal pseudo-obstruction, acute pancreatitis and other rare complications such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, etc. No specific autoantibody is identified as being associated with SLE-related gastroenteropathy. Imaging studies, particularly abdominal computed tomography scans, are helpful in diagnosing some SLE-related gastroenteropathies. Most of these complications have good therapeutic responses to corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents. Supportive measures such as bowel rest, nutritional support, antibiotics and prokinetic medications are helpful in facilitating functional recovery and improving the outcome.

Keywords: Systemic lupus erythematosus; Systemic; Vasculitis; Gastroenteropathy