Objective: To improve the understanding of drug-induced lupus (DIL) and the differences from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Methods: Clinical manifestation and treatment of patients with definite DIL were retrospectively analyzed.
Results: Six patients with DIL were enrolled in this study, including 4 females and 2 males. Two patients were diagnosed after receiving interferon, one after soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor fusion protein, one after propylthiouracil, one after penicillamine, and one after levofloxacin. High titer of antinuclear antibody was identified in all six patients, including 3 with positive anti-dsDNA antibody. One patient had positive anti-Sm antibody. One patient had positive anti-RNP antibody. One patient had anti-nucleosome antibody. One patient had anti-histone antibody. One patient had antimitochondrial antibodies-M2, and one patient had anticardiolipin antibodies.
Conclusion: Patients with DIL are not as severe as those with SLE. After cessation of suspected drugs and administration of standard treatment, the clinical outcome of DIL is satisfying.