Isolated thrombopenia is not always primary immune thrombopenia

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that affects multiple organs and systems. Pediatric SLE is more frequent in girls and has a peak incidence between 12-16 years. The most frequent clinical manifestations are constitutional symptoms, arthritis, malar erythema and hematological abnormalities. Thrombopenia appears in 50% of cases and is the initial manifestation in 15% of cases of SLE of pediatric onset, although it may take several years before the appearance of other manifestations of SLE. Between 20 and 30% of children with primary immune thrombopenia and serum positive ANA will subsequently develop SLE.