Majed Momin¹, Amitha G², Anamika Aluri³, Sandhya Rani C⁴

^1,4 Consultant Pathologist, 2Consultant Microbiologist,3Consultant Biochemist and Head Biochemistry lab.Yashoda Hospital, Malakpet Nalgonda X-roads, Hyderabad – 500036.

Address for correspondence: Dr.Majed Momin, Consultant Pathologist,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yashoda Hospital, Malakpet, Nalgonda X-roads, Hyderabad,Telangana,India.

Email: majedmomin878@yahoo.co.in

Introduction: The occurrence of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) has been only rarely reported in patients with Beta thalassemia trait.We here report a case of SLE presented with history of fever, giddiness associated with headache for three months and on physical examination revealed rash all over the body. On routine hemogram parameters indicated anemia with low blood indices, leucopenia, reticulocytosis, positive coombs test. In view of prolonged fever with rash, LE cell preparation, anemia with erythrocytosis and low blood indices Hemoglobin Electrophoresis was advised which showed positive LE cells in peripheral blood and hemoglobin electrophoresis suggestive of Beta thalassemia trait. Physicians should be alerted to the possible association of hemolytic anemia underlying SLE & Beta thalassemia trait so as not to delay correct diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment. We present this case as the occurrence of connective tissue diseases, in particular SLE, has only been rarely reported in patients with thalassemia minor. Peripheral smear findings with hemolytic picture gives clue for underlying SLE and Beta thalassemia minor.

Keywords :Auto immune hemolytic anemia, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Beta thalassemia minor.