How is pericarditis treated in patients with SLE?

In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who develop pericarditis, the primary treatment approach is the use of ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory medications. This choice is appropriate because pericarditis in the context of SLE is often related to an inflammatory process, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen effectively reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

The rationale behind using anti-inflammatory medications lies in their ability to manage the symptoms associated with pericarditis, such as chest pain and discomfort, while addressing the underlying inflammation caused by the autoimmune condition.

While corticosteroids can also be used in cases of pericarditis, especially if the condition is more severe or unresponsive to NSAIDs, they are not the first-line treatment for all cases of pericarditis and are typically reserved for particular circumstances. Antibiotics are not indicated unless there is a specific infectious etiology, which is not common in the cases of pericarditis related to SLE. Surgical intervention is generally considered in more advanced cases or if complications arise, rather than being a first-line treatment approach.

Thus, the utilization of ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory medications aligns well with the management of inflammatory