Profile of neurological manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus

IntroductionTo study the pattern of neurological involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its correlation with investigation, disease activity and response to treatment.MethodsThis observational study was carried out from June 2007 to May 2008. Diagnosed cases of SLE (based upon ARA criteria) who present with neurological manifestations at the time of diagnosis or develop neurological manifestations anytime during the course of the disease were followed up for six months. Both prospective and retrospective cases were included.ResultsOf the 35 patients with neurological manifestations of SLE, presenting to KEM hospital, Mumbai from the period of June 2007 to May 2008, 94% were females. The commonest age group was 20–29 years. Manifestations observed were seizures (66%), altered sensorium (20%), psychosis (9%), hemiparesis (9%), headache (6%), peripheral neuropathy (6%), depression (3%), cognitive decline (3%) and myelopathy (3%). With appropriate and adequate treatment, at the end of the study, 86% patients improved neurologically and in terms of SLE disease activity, while 11% died and 4% remained the same state neurologically.ConclusionNeurological involvement in SLE is seen relatively early during the course of the disease and correlates with disease activity. It is commonly seen in patients with SLE who receive inappropriate and/or inadequate treatment.