Examining the Clinical Insights Into the Diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a 7-year-old Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background: The complement system is involved in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) through its role in immune complex clearance, regulation of inflammation, and tissue damage. Dysregulation of the complement system has been implicated in the development and progression of SLE, making it a potential target for therapeutic interventions. Case Presentation: This study presents a case study involving a 7-year-old Baloch patient initially diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JRA) at the age of 2 years. Subsequently, following the emergence of pulmonary symptoms and persistent rheumatologic manifestations, the patient was treated with a diagnosis of hypocomplementemia, involving C3 and C4. Presently, the patient exhibits cutaneous lesions on the upper and lower extremities. The lesions were maculopapular erythematous, non-tender, and non-pruritic and worsened with light exposure. Our evaluation showed positive anti-double-stranded DNA, anemia, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), low C3 and C4, and a positive biopsy report, confirming a diagnosis of acute SLE. Conclusions: Monitoring complement levels and activity may serve as valuable biomarkers for disease activity and response to treatment in SLE patients. Overall, the complement system’s involvement in SLE highlights its importance in this challenging autoimmune disorder’s research and clinical management.