Pure red cell aplasia associated with systemic lupus erythematosus: remission after a single course of intravenous immunoglobulin.

Pure red cell aplasia is characterized by severe anemia, with reticulocytopenia and absence of precursor cells in the bone marrow. Many modes of treatment have been described, including the use of immunosuppressive agents. Recently repeated courses of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins have been used successfully in patients with idiopathic pure red cell aplasia. We here describe a 22-year-old woman who developed pure red cell aplasia in the course of systemic lupus erythematosus. After failure of corticosteroid therapy the patient was treated with one course of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins with complete remission. No further therapy was required.