Systemic lupus erythematosus and inflammatory bowel disease

We hereby summarize a case reported by the authors, as well as all of the previously reported cases, of patients suffering from both systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that have been published in the English literature. In most cases, SLE was diagnosed prior to IBD, and the latter was of the ulcerative colitis subtype. Interestingly, the first disease diagnosed was almost never active at the time the second disease manifested itself. Patients with both diseases tended to have less photosensitivity, less arthritis, and less serositis than patients with SLE alone. There were no cases with neurological disorders or overt nephritis. All of these patients had anti-dsDNA and there was a tendency towards more anemia and thrombocytopenia. These patients had a relatively benign course with no flare-ups of lupus during follow-up and a favorable course of their bowel disease as well.