Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism
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Semin. Arthritis Rheum. · Dec 2006
Review Case ReportsStrongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection in systemic lupus erythematosus and the antiphospholipid syndrome.
The Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection syndrome (SHS) may develop in individuals with asymptomatic infection receiving immunosuppressive treatment. This report summarizes current knowledge regarding SHS in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and associated antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). ⋯ These cases suggest that the SHS can exacerbate SLE and APS, predisposing to Gram-negative sepsis and death. Immunocompromised patients need an early diagnosis and specific treatment of parasitic diseases and their complications. The SHS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lupus complications in patients from endemic areas.