Drug-induced lupus erythematosus

Authors

Keywords:

Lupus eritematoso, Fenitoína, Reacciones adversas

Abstract

Introduction: Drug-induced systemic lupus erythematosus represents a diagnostic challenge due to clinical variability and the wide range of symptoms it can present. This case highlights the importance of recognizing adverse drug reactions in clinical practice, especially in patients who have been subjected to polypharmacy, which increases the risk of complications.

Objective: Describe the clinical findings, complementary studies, therapeutic conduct and evolution of a case of systemic lupus erythematosus induced by phenytoin.

Case presentation: A patient is described who took phenytoin irregularly to control her epileptic seizures. The evolution of the clinical picture included the appearance of a diffuse skin rash, persistent fever, and various systemic symptoms that raised suspicion of an autoimmune process. Laboratory studies revealed a positive Coombs test and hemolysis and a positive culture for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which further complicated the diagnosis.

Conclusions: This case exemplifies the complexity of diagnosing drug-induced systemic lupus erythematosus, especially in the context of irregular phenytoin use. Extensive clinical evaluation, together with serological and microbiological findings, was essential to differentiate this entity from other adverse reactions. Early identification and appropriate management, including discontinuation of the drug, were decisive for the patient's recovery.

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Author Biographies

Eliecer González Valdéz, Hospital General Provincial Camilo Cienfuegos. Sancti Spiritus.

Médico Especialista de Segundo Grado en Medicina Interna. Profesor Auxiliar. Máster en Ciencias Pedagógicas. Doctorando en Ciencias de la Educación. Más de 20 años en la docencia.

Miguel Angel Amaró Garrido, Policlínico Universitario “Juana Naranjo León” de Sancti Spíritus. Cuba

Especialista de Segundo Grado en Imagenología, Especialista de Primer Grado en Medicina General Integral, Máster en Ciencias Pedagógicas, Profesor Auxiliar, Investigador Agregado

Tatiana Hernández González, Hospital General Provincial Camilo Cienfuegos. Sancti Spiritus.

Especialista de Segundo Grado en Cirugía Plástica y Caumatología, Máster en Ciencias Pedagógicas y Medicina Bioenergética y Natural, Profesora Auxiliar, Investigador Agregado

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Published

2025-10-08

How to Cite

1.
González Valdéz E, Amaró Garrido MA, Hernández González T. Drug-induced lupus erythematosus. Rev Cubana Med [Internet]. 2025 Oct. 8 [cited 2025 Dec. 8];64. Available from: https://revmedicina.sld.cu/index.php/med/article/view/3749

Issue

Vol. 64 (2025): publicación continua

Section

Case Reports

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Copyright (c) 2025 Eliecer González Valdéz, Miguel Angel Amaró Garrido, Tatiana Hernández González

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