Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy of lupus pneumonitis.

Acute lupus pneumonitis in an 11-year-old girl with lupus nephritis is reported. Chest radiograph and arterial blood gas parameters were suggestive of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Definitive pulmonary infection was excluded by investigations and poor clinical response to antibiotics. The respiratory worsening warranted ventilatory support with very high pressures. A trial of intravenous immunoglobulin was given following which there was improvement in the ventilatory requirements by 36 hours. The child was successfully weaned off ventilator and discharged from ICU by day 7. The role of intravenous immunoglobulin during acute life threatening pulmonary emergencies in a case of SLE prompted this clinical brief.