CORTICOSTEROIDS AND SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS PANCREATITIS - A CASE SERIES

Objective. To determine whether (1) corticosteroids cause pancreatitis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); (2) SLE pancreat itis occurs in the setting of a generalized SLE flare; and (3) cortico steroids can be used to treat SLE pancreatitis. Methods. A total of 8 patients over a 10 year period with pancreatitis and SLE were identifi ed retrospectively from a hospital database at the University of Calif ornia San Diego Medical Center. Results. All 8 patients received thera peutic doses of corticosteroids as part of their treatment for SLE and pancreatitis. All patients manifested both clinical and biochemical r esolution of their pancreatitis with the administration of corticoster oids. No patient in our study experienced immediate complications rela ted to corticosteroids. Only 2 of the 8 patients manifested active con current systemic disease related to the SLE. Conclusion. Corticosteroi ds do not cause pancreatitis in patients with SLE, and they should be administered during episodes of acute pancreatitis if clinically neces sary. Pancreatitis does not tend to occur in the setting of a generali zed SLE flare.