Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a 12-Year-Old Boy: A Rare Entity in Childhood

Abstract

Childhood onsets of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are quite rare and comprise less than 20% of all cases of lupus. Prepubertal onset is even rarer, as most children with SLE belong to the adolescent age group. SLE is an immune complex mediated disease with multiple organ system involvement, which may lead to high mortality and morbidity. We report a 12-year-old boy with SLE who presented clinically with malar rashes, joint pain and oral ulcers.