Case Report: Rare Aplastic Anemia in Pediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Series and Systematic Literature Review

This case report and literature review focus on the rare occurrence of aplastic anemia (AA) in pediatric patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), presenting two severe cases and reviewing 32 studies involving 40 patients. It highlights that 52% of patients developed AA at SLE onset, with infections linked to all seven deaths, despite an 83% improvement rate. The study underscores the importance of early bone marrow examination, infection prevention, and timely treatment, noting that survival drops to 38% for those with infections. Treatment often includes corticosteroids, blood transfusions, and immunosuppressive therapies, with a strong emphasis on supportive care and infection prevention to manage these patients effectively.