Systemic lupus erythematosus complicated with iron deficiency anemia: a case report

Systemic lupus erythematosus （SLE） is a typical autoimmune connective tissue disorder that can affect multiple organs and tissues throughout the body. In this article, one case of SLE complicated with iron deficiency anemia was reported, and the diagnosis, treatment and pathogenesis of SLE complicated with iron deficiency anemia were analyzed. The 28-year-old female patient was diagnosed with SLE upon admission. After corresponding treatment, the disease condition was stabilized and the symptom of anemia was mitigated. Subsequently, she developed moderate anemia again, which was temporarily alleviated after oral and intravenous iron therapy. It was considered to be associated with long-term use of proton pump inhibitors. The symptom of anemia was relieved by discontinuation of proton pump inhibitors and persistent iron therapy. The diagnosis and treatment of this case prompt that long-term use of proton pump inhibitors might increase the risk of iron deficiency anemia possibly by affecting the iron absorption in SLE patients.