Corticosteroid treatment normalizes QTc prolongation and improves heart block in an elderly patient with anti-Ro-positive systemic lupus erythematosus
AGING CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH, vol.26, no.3, pp.337-339, 2014 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 26 Issue: 3
- Publication Date: 2014
- Doi Number: 10.1007/s40520-013-0168-9
- Journal Name: AGING CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
- Page Numbers: pp.337-339
- Keywords: Systemic lupus erythematosus, Anti-Ro antibody, Heart block, Nephrotic syndrome
- Erciyes University Affiliated: No
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystemic disease which potentially involves various organs including the skin, joints, kidneys, liver, hematopoetic system, and serous membranes. It is rarely seen in elderly males. The most common cardiovascular involvement type is pericarditis. Anti-Ro antibodies may be associated with neonatal lupus which causes heart blocks. Recent literature indicates that anti-Ro antibodies may be associated with various rhythm and conduction disturbances in the adulthood. The most common finding associated with anti-Ro antibodies is prolonged corrected QT (QTc) interval. Herein, we present an elderly male patient with anti-Ro-positive SLE associated with prolonged QTc interval and AV blocks that significantly improved after corticosteroid treatment.