Systemic lupus erythematosus and acute demyelinating polyneuropathy.

Guillain-Barré syndrome has been described only rarely in patients with SLE. In this Grand Round we describe a 33-yr-old patient who presented with features of central nervous system lupus, thrombocytopenia, and a severe haemolytic anaemia. Within a few days of her admission, following the commencement of steroid therapy, and a grand mal seizure, the patient developed paralysis of her lower limbs, due to an acute demyelinating polyneuropathy, and subsequently a retinal vasculitis. We discuss the epidemiological and possible immunopathological links between SLE and Guillain-Barré syndrome, and possible treatment strategies.