Question:

The most common cause of death in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in children is:

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The organ most heavily and early involved in childhood lupus drives mortality.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • Lupus nephritis
  • Lupus cerebritis
  • Libman-Sacks endocarditis
  • Anemia and infections
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Pediatric SLE tends to be more severe than adult disease, with renal involvement very common at presentation.
Step 2: The major causes of death in childhood SLE are renal disease (lupus nephritis), severe disease flares, and infections (often linked to immunosuppressive therapy).
Step 3: Of these, lupus nephritis is the leading cause of mortality in children, driving end-stage renal disease and its consequences.
Conclusion: Lupus nephritis is the single most common cause of death in pediatric SLE.
Ref: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics.
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