The association of Hypothyroidism medications and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus SLE: A case study of drug induced Lupus

Abstract

Introduction
Hypothyroidism is a condition which requires iodine levels to be augmented and adjusted for the proper function of
thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism refers to any state in which thyroid hormone production is below normal. The
thyroid gland is regulated by, the pituitary gland. There is a risk that the medicines given to treat hypothyroidism can
cause systemic lupus erythmatosus SLE. It is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system
mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain. SLE is much more common in women
than men.
Case presentation
A 45 year old female patient visited the hospital with complaints of itching on the right leg. There were symptoms
risking the presence of SLE which later, the patient was then diagnosed with the disease. Upon investigation it was
suspected a case of drug induced lupus as the patient had hypothyroidism two years ago and was on levothyroxine
therapy.
Conclusion
This report presents a case with an association between hypothyroidism medications and SLE. Risk of morbidity can
be controlled by maintaining proper iodine level as well as to reduce the symptoms of SLE. The presence of either
condition was associated with a higher frequency of both anti-microsomal and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies.