Challenges of Diagnosing Cognitive Dysfunction With Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Childhood

[Formula: see text] Cognitive dysfunction in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus: current knowledge and future directions

Cognitive dysfunction (CD) is a neurologic complication of pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that remains poorly understood and understudied, despite the potential negative effects of CD on long-term socioeconomic status and quality of life. Data regarding the prevalence and risk factors for CD in pediatric SLE as well as the optimal screening, treatment, and long-term outcomes for CD are lacking. In this review, we present current knowledge on CD in pediatric SLE with a focus on the application to clinical practice. We discuss the challenges in diagnosis, clinical screening methods, potential impacts, and interventions for this complication. Finally, we discuss the remaining gaps in our knowledge of CD in pediatric SLE, and avenues for future research efforts.

Health Equity Implications of Missing Data Among Youths With Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Proof-of-Concept Study in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry

OBJECTIVE

Health disparities in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disproportionately impact marginalized populations. Socioeconomically patterned missing data can magnify existing health inequities by supporting inferences that may misrepresent populations of interest. Our objective was to assess missing data and subsequent health equity implications among participants with childhood-onset SLE enrolled in a large pediatric rheumatology registry.

METHODS

We evaluated co-missingness of 12 variables representing demographics, socioeconomic position, and clinical factors (e.g., disease-related indices) using Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry childhood-onset SLE enrollment data (2015-2022; n = 766). We performed logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for missing disease-related indices at enrollment (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 [SLEDAI-2K] and/or Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index [SDI]) associated with data missingness. We used linear regression to assess the association between socioeconomic factors and SLEDAI-2K at enrollment using 3 analytic methods for missing data: complete case analysis, multiple imputation, and nonprobabilistic bias analyses, with missing values imputed to represent extreme low or high disadvantage.

RESULTS

On average, participants were missing 6.2% of data, with over 50% of participants missing at least 1 variable. Missing data correlated most closely with variables within data categories (i.e., demographic). Government-assisted health insurance was associated with missing SLEDAI-2K and/or SDI scores compared to private health insurance (OR 2.04 [95% CI 1.22, 3.41]). The different analytic approaches resulted in varying analytic sample sizes and fundamentally conflicting estimated associations.

CONCLUSION

Our results support intentional evaluation of missing data to inform effect estimate interpretation and critical assessment of causal statements that might otherwise misrepresent health inequities.

Transmission disequilibrium analysis of whole genome data in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) patients are unique, with hallmarks of Mendelian disorders (early-onset and severe disease) and thus are an ideal population for genetic investigation of SLE. In this study, we use the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT), a family-based genetic association analysis that employs robust methodology, to analyze whole genome sequencing data. We aim to identify novel genetic associations in an ancestrally diverse, international cSLE cohort. Forty-two cSLE patients and 84 unaffected parents from 3 countries underwent whole genome sequencing. First, we performed TDT with single nucleotide variant (SNV)-based (common variants) using PLINK 1.9, and gene-based (rare variants) analyses using Efficient and Parallelizable Association Container Toolbox (EPACTS) and rare variant TDT (rvTDT), which applies multiple gene-based burden tests adapted for TDT, including the burden of rare variants test. Applying the GWAS standard threshold (5.0 × 10-8) to common variants, our SNV-based analysis did not return any genome-wide significant SNVs. The rare variant gene-based TDT analysis identified many novel genes significantly enriched in cSLE patients, including HNRNPUL2, a DNA repair protein, and DNAH11, a ciliary movement protein, among others. Our approach identifies several novel SLE susceptibility genes in an ancestrally diverse childhood-onset lupus cohort.

Cognitive dysfunction in patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus may impact treatment

BACKGROUND

Cognitive dysfunction (CD) is a widespread manifestation in adult systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, but this subject is rarely examined in patients with childhood-onset SLE (cSLE). This study aimed to assess the frequency of CD, its associations with lupus clinical manifestations and its impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQL) in young adult cSLE patients.

METHODS

We evaluated 39 cSLE patients older than 18 years. They underwent a rheumatologic evaluation and extensive neuropsychological assessment, encompassing all cognitive domains described by the American College of Rheumatology. HRQL was assessed with the WHOOQOL-BREEF, General Activities of Daily Living Scale (GADL) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-specific quality-of-life instrument (SLEQOL). The activity of SLE was evaluated with the modified sle disease activity index (sledai-2k).

RESULTS

Impairment in at least one cognitive domain was found in 35 (87.2%) patients. The most compromised domains were attention (64.1%), memory (46.2%), and executive functions (38.5%). Patients with cognitive impairment were older, had more accumulated damage and had worse socioeconomic status. Regarding the association between cognitive dysfunction and HRQL, memory impairment was correlated with worse environmental perception and a worse relationship with the treatment.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the frequency of CD in cSLE patients was as high as that in the adult SLE population. CD can significantly impact the response of cSLE patients to treatment, justifying preventive measures in the care of this population.

Cross-cultural adaptation and initial validation of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the pediatric automated neuropsychological assessment metrics

Automated neuropsychiatric batteries have been used in research and clinical practice, including for chronic diseases, such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. The Pediatric Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics battery (Ped-ANAM), originally developed for use in American-English speaking individuals, allows tracking of cognitive functions. It can be applied to people over 9 years old. The aim of this study was to translate and present initial validation data from the Ped-ANAM into Brazilian-Portuguese. We translated the battery according to Beaton’s guidelines. Psychometric properties were tested, internal consistency was analyzed by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, test-retest reliability by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Further, we measured the test execution speed at both times as a temporal stability. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used for structural validity. Evidence of construct validity was assessed through assessment of the relationships with the Wechsler Intelligence Scales. All participants prior to the start of study related activities signed an informed consent form approved by the local ethics committee. A sample of 230 individuals [mean (range) of age: 23 (9 to 60) years; 65% females] was included; a subset of 51 individuals [mean (range) of age: 18 (9 to 57) years, 59% female] completed the Ped-ANAM twice to assess test-retest reliability, and another subset of 54 individuals [mean (range) of age: 20.4 (7 to 62) years; 67% female] completed the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children and Adult for assessment of the Ped-ANAM’s construct validity. Our results suggest that the internal consistency of the Ped-ANAM (Cronbach’s α = 0.890) and its subtest test-retest reliability were excellent (ICC: 0.59 to 0.94). There was no clustering in the Principal Components Analysis, suggestive of non-grouping of the evaluated variables. Construct validity assessment to the Wechsler Scales showed expected ranges of low to strong correlations (Spearman correlations: ρ = 0.40 to ρ = 0.69). We concluded that, based on the results of this study, a cross-culturally validated Brazilian-Portuguese version of the Ped-ANAM has been developed and it is a reliable tool for the screening cognitive function.

Neuropsychiatric manifestations in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

Neuropsychiatric manifestations occur frequently and are challenging to diagnose in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Most patients with childhood-onset SLE have neuropsychiatric events in the first 2 years of disease. 30-70% of patients present with more than one neuropsychiatric event during their disease course, with an average of 2-3 events per person. These symptoms are associated with disability and mortality. Serum, cerebrospinal fluid, and neuroimaging findings have been described in childhood-onset SLE; however, only a few have been validated as biomarkers for diagnosis, monitoring response to treatment, or prognosis. The aim of this Review is to describe the genetic risk, clinical and neuroimaging characteristics, and current treatment strategies of neuropsychiatric manifestations in childhood-onset SLE.

Characterizing Neurocognitive Impairment in Juvenile Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Subjective and Objective Measures of Dyscognition

OBJECTIVES

Our understanding of brain fog, or dyscognition, among youth with juvenile fibromyalgia syndrome is limited. We aimed to determine the prevalence of subjective (self-reported) and objective dyscognition, as well as factors associated with subjective dyscognition in juvenile fibromyalgia syndrome.

METHODS

A cross-sectional cohort study of patients (n = 31) 12-17 years old diagnosed with primary juvenile fibromyalgia syndrome and one of their parents from 2017 to 2019. Subjects completed a series of survey measures and patients completed a brief neurocognitive battery. Subjective dyscognition was determined based on scores on the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Cognitive Functioning Scale and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-2) global executive composite (GEC). Objective dyscognition was defined as impairment of more than two standard deviations in any of the neurocognitive domains. We used Fisher's exact test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test, as appropriate, to compare clinical patients based on the presence of dyscognition. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was performed to determine factors associated with subjective dyscognition.

RESULTS

Of the 31 subjects, 65% reported subjective dyscognition and 39% had objective dyscognition, primarily in the domains of psychomotor speed (23%), executive function (23%), and attention (3%). Subjective dyscognition was not indicative of objective dyscognition. Subjective dyscognition was independently associated with functional disability (OR: 1.19 [95% CI: 1.02-1.40]) and anxiety (OR: 1.12 [95% CI: 1.02-1.24]).

DISCUSSION

Adolescents with fibromyalgia predominantly experience subjective dyscognition but more than 1/3 also experience objective dyscognition. Future research should explore the impact of interdisciplinary rehabilitation programs on the treatment of dyscognition in youth with JFMS.

From the Blood-Brain Barrier to Childhood Development: A Case of Acute-Onset Psychosis and Cognitive Impairment Attributed to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in an Adolescent Female

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After participating in this CME activity, the clinician will be better able to:• Interpret classifications of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE).• Identify determining factors of neuropsychiatric events.• Analyze current evidence regarding disease pathways for NPSLE.

Axonal dysfunction is associated with interferon-γ levels in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: a multivoxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy study

OBJECTIVE

Axonal/neuronal damage has been shown to be a pathological finding that precedes neuropsychiatric manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the presence of axonal dysfunction in childhood-onset SLE patients (cSLE) and to determine clinical, immunological, and treatment features associated with its occurrence.

METHODS

We included 86 consecutive cSLE patients [median age 17 years (range 5-28)] and 71 controls [median age 18 years (5-28)]. We performed Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging (1H-MRSI) using point resolved spectroscopy sequence (PRESS) over the superior-posterior region of the corpus callosum and signals from N-acetylaspartate compounds (NAA), choline-based compounds (CHO); creatine containing compounds (Cr), myo-inositol (mI), lactate (Lac), glutamate (Glu), glutamine (Gln) and lactate (Lac) were measured and metabolites/Cr ratios were determined. Complete clinical, laboratory and neurological evaluations were performed in all subjects. Sera IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, TNF- α, INF- γ cytokines levels, antiribosomal P protein antibodies (anti-P) and S100β were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using commercial kits. Data were compared by non-parametric tests.

RESULTS

NAA/Cr ratios (p= 0.035) and Lac/Cr ratios (p= 0.019) levels were significantly decreased in cSLE patients when compared with controls. In multivariate analysis, interferon (IFN) gamma (γ) levels (OR = 4.1; 95% 2.01-7.9) and depressive symptoms (OR = 1.9; 95%CI = 1.1-3.2) were associated with NAA/Cr ratio. Increased Cho/Cr was associated with the presence of cognitive impairment (OR = 3.4; p< 0.001; 95%CI = 2.034-5.078). mI/Cr ratio correlated with cumulative glucocorticoids dosage (r = 0.361; p= 0.014).

CONCLUSION

NAA and CHO ratios may be useful as biomarkers in neuropsychiatric cSLE. Longitudinal studies are necessary to determine whether they predict structural damage.

Biomarkers Associated with Organ-Specific Involvement in Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) is characterised by onset before 18 years of age and more severe disease phenotype, increased morbidity and mortality compared to adult-onset SLE. Management strategies in JSLE rely heavily on evidence derived from adult-onset SLE studies; therefore, identifying biomarkers associated with the disease pathogenesis and reflecting particularities of JSLE clinical phenotype holds promise for better patient management and improved outcomes. This narrative review summarises the evidence related to various traditional and novel biomarkers that have shown a promising role in identifying and predicting specific organ involvement in JSLE and appraises the evidence regarding their clinical utility, focusing in particular on renal biomarkers, while also emphasising the research into cardiovascular, haematological, neurological, skin and joint disease-related JSLE biomarkers, as well as genetic biomarkers with potential clinical applications.

Formal neurocognitive function and anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibodies in paediatric lupus

Objective

SLE is a chronic multisystem autoimmune inflammatory disease impacting a number of organs, including the central nervous system (CNS). The pathophysiology of CNS lupus is multifactorial, making diagnosis problematic. Neurocognitive (NC) testing and specific biomarkers to identify the development of neuropsychiatric (NP) symptoms in lupus are needed. Paediatric patients with SLE have high incidence of NP disease. While serum anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antibodies have shown promise as a biomarker of NP in adults with SLE, much less is known with regard to paediatric patients with SLE.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study in paediatric patients with SLE. Serum NMDAR antibodies were measured and compared with levels in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Formal NC testing was performed in accordance with the Childhood Arthritis & Rheumatology Research Alliance neuropsychological core test battery. NC functioning was compared in the two groups and with NMDAR antibody levels.

Results

Serum NMDAR antibody levels were significantly higher in paediatric patients with SLE compared with patients with JIA. There were no significant correlations between NMDAR antibody levels and any measure of NC functioning. In an exploratory examination of anti-ribosomal P (RibP) antibody and NC functioning in a subset of patients with SLE, RibP antibody-positive patients exhibited worse scores for Verbal Memory Index and Design Fluency Test Switching compared with RibP antibody-negative patients. A globally significant association between disease status and NC functioning was observed. Specifically, patients with SLE had lower scores compared with patients with JIA for full-scale IQ, letter–word recognition, reading fluency and calculation skills after adjusting for multiple comparisons.

Conclusion

These collective results suggest that although serum NMDAR may serve as a biomarker, formal NC testing is superior in identifying paediatric patients with SLE with NP manifestations. RibP also may potentially serve as a biomarker of NP manifestations in paediatric patients with SLE. Additional and longitudinal studies are needed.

Research priorities in childhood-onset lupus: results of a multidisciplinary prioritization exercise

BACKGROUND

Childhood-onset systemic erythematosus lupus (cSLE) is characterized by more severe disease, widespread organ involvement and higher mortality compared to adult-onset SLE. However, cSLE is largely underfunded to carry out necessary research to advance the field. Few commonly used SLE medications have been studied in children, and important knowledge gaps exist concerning epidemiology, genetics, pathophysiology and optimal treatments for cSLE.

METHODS

In order to assess highest cSLE research priority areas, the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) and Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) administered a cSLE research prioritization survey to pediatric rheumatologists, dermatologists and nephrologists with expertise in lupus. Members of LFA and CARRA's SLE Committee identified a list of cSLE research domains and developed a 17-item tiered, web-based survey asking respondents to categorize the research domains into high, medium, or low priority areas. For domains identified as high priority, respondents ranked research topics within that category. For example, for the domain of nephritis, respondents ranked importance of: epidemiology, biomarkers, long-term outcomes, quality improvement, etc. The survey was distributed to members of CARRA, Midwestern Pediatric Nephrology Consortium (MWPNC) and Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA) Connective Tissue Disease group.

RESULTS

The overall response rate was 256/752 (34%). The highest prioritized research domains were: nephritis, clinical trials, biomarkers, neuropsychiatric disease and refractory skin disease. Notably, nephritis, clinical trials and biomarkers were ranked in the top five by all groups. Within each research domain, all groups showed agreement in identifying the following as important focus areas: determining best treatments, biomarkers/pathophysiology, drug discovery/novel treatments, understanding long term outcomes, and refining provider reported quality measures.

CONCLUSION

This survey identified the highest cSLE research priorities among leading rheumatology, dermatology and nephrology clinicians and investigators engaged in care of children with lupus. There is a strong need for multidisciplinary collaboration moving forward, which was indicated as highly important among stakeholders involved in the survey. These survey results should be used as a roadmap to guide funding and specific research programs in cSLE to address urgent, unmet needs among this population.