Abstract:

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated with myasthenia gravis (MG) in children, so as to improve clinicians' attention to the coexistence of the two diseases. Methods The clinical data of a pediatric case of SLE combined with MG were retrospectively analyzed, and relevant literatures were reviewed for discussion. Results A 16-year-old female patient with a history of SLE for over 2 years presented due to slurred speech and dysphagia for 1 week. Repetitive nerve stimulation test, neostigmine test, and anti-acetylcholine receptor IgG antibodies were positive, confirming the diagnosis of MG. Treatment regimens included methylprednisolone pulse therapy, intravenous immunoglobulin, oral pyridostigmine bromide, followed by sequential oral prednisone acetate, hydroxychloroquine, mycophenolate mofetil, and aspirin for the primary disease. The patient's symptoms completely resolved after 9 days of hospitalization. At 6 months post-discharge, repetitive nerve stimulation test returned to normal, and no recurrence was observed during 1 year of follow-up.Conclusion The coexistence of SLE and MG is rare in clinical practice, and the underlying mechanisms linking the two conditions remain unclear. For patients with atypical or mild symptoms, relevant tests should be actively conducted to consider this possibility, avoiding clinical misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.

Key words: lupus erythematosus, systemic, myasthenia gravis, child