Clinical characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus with chylothorax and/or chylous ascites: An analysis of 15 cases in China

This analysis of clinical data from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with chylothorax and/or chylous ascites was conducted to guide further clinical work. From June 2008 to June 2019, 15 SLE patients (14 females and 1 male) with chylothorax and/or chylous ascites were hospitalized at the Beijing Shijitan Hospital. Sixty SLE patients without chylothorax and chylous ascites were randomly selected as controls. Patients’(,) clinical data was investigated. The mean age of onset of chylothorax and/or chylous ascites in patients with SLE was 35.7 ± 3.7 years (range, 15–69 years). The mean disease duration of chylothorax and/or chylous ascites in patients with SLE was 13.7 ± 3.4 months (range, 1–48 months). Patients with chylothorax and/or chylous ascites were always diagnosed at later stages of SLE compared with the controls. Among cases, glomerulonephritis and hematologic system involvement were the most common complications. Anti-Sjogren's syndrome antigen A antibody was positive in 7 cases (46.7%). Among cases, direct lymphangiography was performed in 13 patients, indicating thoracic duct outlet obstruction or a poor backflow at the terminal of the thoracic duct. Subsequently, 13 patients were treated with corticosteroids, combined with immunosuppressants in 11 patients and thoracic duct surgery in 6 patients. Eleven patients were followed up for 0.5 to 7.0 years. One patient died of infection. Eight patients (53.3%) achieved remission. Chylothorax and/or chylous ascites are rare complications of SLE. An early diagnosis and timely initiation of glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, and surgery are critical to relieve symptoms and to improve prognosis.