Relationship between clinical factors and neuropsychiatric manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus

Correlation between neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus and immunological markers: a real-world retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate disparities in clinical profiles and autoantibody patterns between patients with and without neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) in a cohort and to identify risk factors associated with NPSLE in the Chinese population.

METHODS

SLE patients were retrospectively reviewed from two tertiary hospitals. The relationships between NPSLE and immunological biomarkers were explored.

RESULTS

Among the 945 SLE patients, 75 (7.94%) were diagnosed with NPSLE. The most prevalent NP manifestations involved cognitive disorder (30.67%), headache (26.67%), seizure disorder (26.67%), and psychosis (26.67%).We observed significant associations between psychosis and anti-β2GPI antibodies (F = 6.092, p = 0.015), polyneuropathy and anti-Scl70 antibodies (F = 20.161, p < 0.001), demyelinating syndrome and anti-cardiolipin antibodies (F = 6.637, p = 0.011), myasthenia gravis and anti-RNP (F = 5.864, p = 0.017), and anti-Smith antibodies (F = 5.096, p = 0.026). Multivariate logistics analysis showed that anti-prothrombin (aPT) IgM antibodies (OR = 10.985, CI 1.279-94.343, p = 0.029), age (OR = 1.169, CI 1.032-1.325, p = 0.014), and serum creatinine (SCr) (OR = 1.014, CI 1.003-1.025, p = 0.009) were independent risk factors of NPSLE, while anti-Sjogren syndrome antigen B (SSB) antibodies (OR 0.023, CI 0.002-0.622, p = 0.023) and high complement C3 (OR = 0.001, CI 0-0.045, p < 0.001) indicated reduced risk of NPSLE.

CONCLUSION

Various neuropsychiatric manifestations in SLE were found to be correlated with specific autoantibodies. Independent risk factors for NPSLE included aPT IgM antibodies, age, and elevated serum creatinine, while the absence of anti-SSB antibodies and low complement C3 levels were associated with increased risk.

KEY POINTS

•Significant associations were found between specific autoantibodies and neuropsychiatric symptoms, shedding light on potential biomarkers for predicting and understanding NPSLE. •The study identifies independent risk factors for NPSLE in the Chinese population, including the presence of anti-prothrombin IgM antibodies, older age, elevated serum creatinine, and lower complement C3 levels.

Prediction model for developing neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus in lupus patients

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to construct a predictive model for assessing the risk of development of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) among patients with SLE based on clinical, laboratory, and meteorological data.

METHODS

A total of 2232 SLE patients were included and were randomly assigned into training and validation sets. Variables such as clinical and laboratory data and local meteorological data were screened by univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression modelling. After 10-fold cross-validation, the predictive model was built by multivariate logistic regression, and a nomogram was constructed to visualize the risk of NPSLE. The efficacy and accuracy of the model were assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve analysis. Net clinical benefit was assessed by decision curve analysis.

RESULTS

Variables that were included in the predictive model were anti-dsDNA, anti-SSA, lymphocyte count, hematocrit, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, pre-albumin, retinol binding protein, creatine kinase isoenzyme MB, Nterminal brain natriuretic peptide precursor, creatinine, indirect bilirubin, fibrinogen, hypersensitive C-reactive protein, CO, and mild contamination. The nomogram showed a broad prediction spectrum; the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.895 (0.858-0.931) for the training set and 0.849 (0.783-0.916) for the validation set.

CONCLUSION

The model exhibits good predictive performance and will confer clinical benefit in NPSLE risk calculation. Key Points • Clinical, laboratory, and meteorological data were incorporated into a predictive model for neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) in SLE patients. • Anti-dsDNA, anti-SSA, LYM, HCT, ESR, hsCRP, IBIL, PA, RBP, CO, Fib, NT-proBNP, Crea, CO, and mild contamination are predictors of the development of NPSLE and may have potential for research. • The nomogram has good predictive performance and clinical value and can be used to guide clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Molecules Involved in Its Imunopathogenesis, Clinical Features, and Treatment

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an idiopathic chronic autoimmune disease that can affect any organ in the body, including the neurological system. Multiple factors, such as environmental (infections), genetic (many HLA alleles including DR2 and DR3, and genes including C4), and immunological influences on self-antigens, such as nuclear antigens, lead to the formation of multiple autoantibodies that cause deleterious damage to bodily tissues and organs. The production of autoantibodies, such as anti-dsDNA, anti-SS(A), anti-SS(B), anti-Smith, and anti-neuronal DNA are characteristic features of this disease. This autoimmune disease results from a failure of the mechanisms responsible for maintaining self-tolerance in T cells, B cells, or both. Immune complexes, circulating antibodies, cytokines, and autoreactive T lymphocytes are responsible for tissue injury in this autoimmune disease. The diagnosis of SLE is a rheumatological challenge despite the availability of clinical criteria. NPSLE was previously referred to as lupus cerebritis or lupus sclerosis. However, these terms are no longer recommended because there is no definitive pathological cause for the neuropsychiatric manifestations of SLE. Currently, the treatment options are primarily based on symptomatic presentations. These include the use of antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anxiolytic medications for the treatment of psychiatric and mood disorders. Antiepileptic drugs to treat seizures, and immunosuppressants (e.g., corticosteroids, azathioprine, and mycophenolate mofetil), are directed against inflammatory responses along with non-pharmacological interventions.

The conundrum of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus: Current and novel approaches to diagnosis

Recognising neuropsychiatric involvement by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is of growing importance, however many barriers to this exist at multiple levels of our currently available diagnostic algorithms that may ultimately delay its diagnosis and subsequent treatment. The heterogeneous and non-specific clinical syndromes, serological and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers and neuroimaging findings that often do not mirror disease activity, highlight important research gaps in the diagnosis of neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE). Formal neuropsychological assessments or the more accessible screening metrics may also help improve objective recognition of cognitive or mood disorders. Novel serum and CSF markers, including autoantibodies, cytokines and chemokines have also shown increasing utility as part of diagnosis and monitoring, as well as in distinguishing NPSLE from SLE patients without SLE-related neuropsychiatric manifestations. Novel neuroimaging studies also expand upon our existing strategy by quantifying parameters that indicate microarchitectural integrity or provide an assessment of neuronal function. Some of these novel markers have shown associations with specific neuropsychiatric syndromes, suggesting that future research move away from considering NPSLE as a single entity but rather into its individually recognized neuropsychiatric manifestations. Nevertheless, it is likely that a composite panel of these investigations will be needed to better address the gaps impeding recognition of neuropsychiatric involvement by SLE.

Molecular Biomarkers in Multiple Sclerosis and Its Related Disorders: A Critical Review

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS) which can lead to severe disability. Several diseases can mimic the clinical manifestations of MS. This can often lead to a prolonged period that involves numerous tests and investigations before a definitive diagnosis is reached. As well as the possibility of misdiagnosis. Molecular biomarkers can play a unique role in this regard. Molecular biomarkers offer a unique view into the CNS disorders. They help us understand the pathophysiology of disease as well as guiding our diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic approaches in CNS disorders. This review highlights the most prominent molecular biomarkers found in the literature with respect to MS and its related disorders. Based on numerous recent clinical and experimental studies, we demonstrate that several molecular biomarkers could very well aid us in differentiating MS from its related disorders. The implications of this work will hopefully serve clinicians and researchers alike, who regularly deal with MS and its related disorders.

Moyamoya syndrome related to systemic lupus erythematosus developing during pregnancy: a case-based review

Moyamoya syndrome (MMS) is a chronic cerebrovascular disorder characterized by occlusion or stenosis of the internal carotid arteries with the formation of abnormal collateral vascular networks. Moreover, the development of MMS, which is a distinct category from "moyamoya disease," is attributed to the underlying disease, while some cases of MMS related to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been previously reported. Herein, we present the case of a 29-year-old Japanese woman with SLE in whom intracranial hemorrhage ascribable to MMS developed during pregnancy. Craniotomy was performed to remove hematoma, and prednisolone, tacrolimus, and hydroxychloroquine were consecutively administered. She ultimately achieved remission and childbearing without the relapse of cerebrovascular event. To our knowledge, this is the first report of MMS associated with SLE in pregnancy. Through reviewing published English articles and our case, it was suggested that the pathogenesis of SLE is implicated in the development of moyamoya vasculopathy leading to cerebrovascular events. Moreover, pregnancy may affect the bleeding from the fragile collateral vessel wall.

The immunologic etiology of psychiatric manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus: A narrative review on the role of the blood brain barrier, antibodies, cytokines and chemokines

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the literature on the possible immunologic pathophysiology of psychiatric manifestations of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE).

METHODS

A systematic search on PubMed was conducted. English studies with full text availability that investigated the correlation between blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, intrathecal synthesis of antibodies, antibodies, cytokines, chemokines, metalloproteinases, complement and psychiatric NPSLE manifestations in adults were included.

RESULTS

Both transient BBB-dysfunction with consequent access of antibodies to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and intrathecal synthesis of antibodies could occur in psychiatric NPSLE. Anti-phospholipid antibodies, anti-NMDA antibodies and anti-ribosomal protein p antibodies seem to mediate concentration dependent neuronal dysfunction. Interferon-α may induce microglial engulfment of neurons, direct neuronal damage and production of cytokines and chemokines in psychiatric NPSLE. Several cytokines, chemokines and matrix metalloproteinase-9 may contribute to the pathophysiology of psychiatric NPSLE by attracting and activating Th1-cells and B-cells.

DISCUSSION

This potential pathophysiology may help understand NPSLE and may have implications for the diagnostic management and therapy of psychiatric NPSLE. However, the presented pathophysiological model is based on correlations between potential immunologic etiologies and psychiatric NPSLE that remain questionable. More research on this topic is necessary to further elucidate the pathophysiology of NPSLE.

Immunological biomarkers in neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus: a comparative cross-sectional study from a tertiary care center in South India

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of various immunological biomarkers in neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) differs among various patients with varied neuropsychiatric manifestations and different populations. We studied the prevalence of these biomarkers; especially the neuron specific autoantibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and compared them among patients with and without neuropsychiatric involvement.

METHODOLOGY

This is a comparative cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary care hospital in South India. The prevalence of immunological biomarkers including complement levels, systemic and brain specific autoantibodies (anti-myelin antibody, anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein and anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein antibody) were assessed and compared among those with and without NPSLE and with different NPSLE manifestations.

RESULTS

A total of 522 SLE patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the study participants was 28.5 ± 8.8 years and 93.5% were women. Neuropsychiatric manifestations were seen in 167 (32%) patients. Seizure was the most common neuropsychiatric manifestation seen in 41.3%, followed by psychosis (18.6%), mood disorder (16.8%), stroke (10.8%), mononeuropathy (10.2%), headache (9.6%), acute confusional state (6.6%) and aseptic meningitis (5.4%). Patients with NPSLE had a higher SLE disease activity index score. Most of the autoantibodies, that is anticardiolipin antibody (aCL), anti-β2 glycoprotein 1 antibody (β2GP1), lupus anticoagulant (LA), anti-nucleosome, anti-ribosomal P, anti-Ro52, anti-Ro60 and anti-La, were seen in higher proportion in the NPSLE group, although the difference failed to reach statistical significance. On subgroup analysis, psychosis was significantly higher in patients with anti-ribosomal P positivity than without (11.8% versus 4.1%, p.0.007; odds ratio (OR) 3.1, confidence interval (CI) 1.4-6.8), while stroke had a higher proportion among those with positive b2GP1 IgG (6.3% versus 1.8%, p.0.03; OR 3.6, CI 1.2-11.0). A higher proportion of demyelination was seen among the LA positive than the negative (10.3% versus 0.2%, p.0.03; OR 5.39, CI 1.15-24.17) and anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein in mood disorder (14.3% versus 3.4%, p = 0.03; OR 4.66, CI 1.13-19.13).

CONCLUSION

No single biomarker correlated with NPSLE. Among different NPSLE manifestations, the prevalence of IgG β2GP1 in stroke, LA in demyelination, anti-ribosomal P in psychosis and anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein in mood disorder were higher. Further studies on the pathogenic mechanisms underlying NPSLE and its different manifestations may help us to identify better biomarkers.

A20/TNFAIP3 heterozygosity predisposes to behavioral symptoms in a mouse model for neuropsychiatric lupus

Background

Neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE) refers to the neurological and psychiatric manifestations that are commonly observed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). An important question regarding the pathogenesis of NPSLE is whether the symptoms are caused primarily by CNS-intrinsic mechanisms or develop as a consequence of systemic autoimmunity. Currently used spontaneous mouse models for SLE have already contributed significantly to unraveling how systemic immunity affects the CNS. However, they are less suited when interested in CNS primary mechanisms. In addition, none of these models are based on genes that are associated with SLE. In this study, we evaluate the influence of A20, a well-known susceptibility locus for SLE, on behavior and CNS-associated changes in inflammatory markers. Furthermore, given the importance of environmental triggers for disease onset and progression, the influence of an acute immunological challenge was evaluated.

Methods

Female and male A20 heterozygous mice (A20+/-) and wildtype littermates were tested in an extensive behavioral battery. This was done at the age of 10±2weeks and 24 ​± ​2 weeks to evaluate the impact of aging. To investigate the contribution of an acute immunological challenge, LPS was injected intracerebroventricularly at the age of 10±2weeks followed by behavioral analysis. Underlying molecular mechanisms were evaluated in gene expression assays on hippocampus and cortex. White blood cell count and blood-brain barrier permeability were analyzed to determine whether peripheral inflammation is a relevant factor.

Results

A20 heterozygosity predisposes to cognitive symptoms that were observed at the age of 10 ​± ​2 weeks and 24 ​± ​2 weeks. Young A20+/- males and females showed a subtle cognitive phenotype (10±2weeks) with distinct neuroinflammatory phenotypes. Aging was associated with clear neuroinflammation in female A20+/- mice only. The genetic predisposition in combination with an environmental stimulus exacerbates the behavioral impairments related to anxiety, cognitive dysfunction and sensorimotor gating. This was predominantly observed in females. Furthermore, signs of neuroinflammation were solely observed in female A20+/- mice. All above observations were made in the absence of peripheral inflammation and of changes in blood-brain barrier permeability, thus consistent with the CNS-primary hypothesis.

Conclusions

We show that A20 heterozygosity is a predisposing factor for NPSLE. Further mechanistic insight and possible therapeutic interventions can be studied in this mouse model that recapitulates several key hallmarks of the disease.

[Contrast-enhanced fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging was useful in detecting inflammation of the meninges in neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report]

A 49-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with recurrent episodes of paresthesia attacks evolving in 5 to 15 minutes from the left hand to the left leg through the left trunk. Neurological examination revealed cortical sensory disturbance in her left hand. Although contrast-enhanced T₁-weighted MRI findings were unremarkable, contrast-enhanced fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI revealed abnormal leptomeningeal enhancement over the sulcus of the parietal lobe, including the sulcus around the postcentral gyrus. Because we assumed the cause of the recurrent sensory attack to be meningeal inflammation around the primary somatosensory cortex, we treated this patient by increasing the dose of prednisolone. The increase in prednisolone dose completely resolved the symptom, as well as the abnormal leptomeningeal enhancement on contrast-enhanced FLAIR MRI. In patients with suspected meningeal inflammation, contrast-enhanced FLAIR MRI, which is reported to be more sensitive than contrast-enhanced T₁-weighted MRI in detecting subtle abnormal leptomeningeal enhancement, should be the modality of choice.

Differences between central nervous system infection and neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Objective Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) is a manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Central nervous system (CNS) infection is a consequence of intensive immunosuppressive therapy that patients with SLE might undergo. This study aimed to compare the differences between NPSLE and CNS infections in patients with SLE. Methods Patients with SLE and NPSLE or CNS infections were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical manifestations, laboratory test results, and prognoses were recorded. The independent sample t-test or chi-square test was used to compare data. Results Patients with CNS infections (n = 20) had more serious headache, high fever (>39.0°C), and vomiting compared with patients with NPSLE (n = 48). Patients with CNS infections also had a larger prednisone dose at the time of symptom onset, larger cumulative dosages over the preceding year, lower SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores, higher rate of nephritis, lower albumin levels, higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, higher 24-h-urine protein levels, higher cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) white blood cell levels, and lower protein and glucose levels than those with NPSLE. Conclusions For patients with SLE presenting with CNS symptoms, serious headache, high fever, a high dose of corticosteroids, low SLEDAI scores, and abnormal CSF are more important indicators for CNS infections than NPSLE.

Neuropsychiatric manifestations in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus: a 20-year study

The objective of this study was to investigate the manifestations, treatment and outcome of neuropsychiatric (NP) involvement in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. The charts of 185 pediatric patients with SLE diagnosed between 1985 and 2005 in a tertiary referral hospital were retrospectively reviewed. NPSLE were defined using the American College of Rheumatology NPSLE case definitions. NPSLE developed in 34.6% (64/185) of the patients. The mean onset age was 15.2 years. Fourteen patients (21.9%) had NP manifestations on initial diagnosis of SLE. The median duration from the onset of SLE to NP manifestation was 11 months. The most frequent NP manifestations were seizure disorder (84.4%), ischemic stroke (28.1%) and psychosis (21.9%). However, the prevalence of manifestations of NPSLE might be underestimated by the retrospective design of our study. Higher mean C3/C4 levels, less percentage of anti-dsDNA antibodies elevation and higher percentage of elevated anticardiolipin antibodies were observed in NPSLE events than in non-NPSLE events ( P 0.05). The mortality rate of NPSLE patients decreased from 52.2% in 1985–1994 cohort to 27.8% in 1995–2005 cohort. In the past 10 years, the leading cause of death in NPSLE patients was NPSLE itself. NPSLE is common in pediatric SLE patients. It has diverse manifestations and a high mortality.

Selective Impairment of Spatial Cognition Caused by Autoantibodies to the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) experience cognitive abnormalities in multiple domains including processing speed, executive function, and memory. Here we show that SLE patients carrying antibodies that bind DNA and the GluN2A and GluN2B subunits of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), termed DNRAbs, displayed a selective impairment in spatial recall. Neural recordings in a mouse model of SLE, in which circulating DNRAbs penetrate the hippocampus, revealed that CA1 place cells exhibited a significant expansion in place field size. Structural analysis showed that hippocampal pyramidal cells had substantial reductions in their dendritic processes and spines. Strikingly, these abnormalities became evident at a time when DNRAbs were no longer detectable in the hippocampus. These results suggest that antibody-mediated neurocognitive impairments may be highly specific, and that spatial cognition may be particularly vulnerable to DNRAb-mediated structural and functional injury to hippocampal cells that evolves after the triggering insult is no longer present.

Successful Treatment of Lupus Cerebrovascular Disease with Mycophenolate Mofetil

We report a case of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus successfully treated with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). The patient was a 40-year-old female who maintained with 7 mg of prednisolone plus 100 mg of azathioprine (AZ) per day. According to transient ischemic attack that occurred repeatedly and an elevated level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in spinal fluid, she was diagnosed as having neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE). Initial increase in doses of prednisolone and AZ to 20 mg and 150 mg per day, respectively, was ineffective. After switching from AZ to MMF, her symptoms of NPSLE completely resolved with marked improvement of the IL-6 level in her spinal fluid, suggesting that MMF was effective.

Blood-based candidate biomarkers of the presence of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus in children

Objective

To examine select brain-reactive proteins for their usefulness to serve as blood-based biomarkers in the screening for neurocognitive deficits in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE-NCD).

Methods

Patients withcSLE (n=40) were studied longitudinally (month 1; month 18): working memory, psychomotor speed and visuoconstructional ability were assessed using formal neurocognitive testing to determine the presence of cSLE-NCD. Patients also completed the computerised Paediatric Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics. The following brain-reactive proteins were measured in the blood: neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL), S100B, S100A8/9, antibodies to NR2 glutamate receptor (aNR2-AB), ribosomal-P (aP-AB), glycoprotein-1 (aGP1-AB), and lupus anticoagulant.

Results

cSLE-NCD was present in 6 of 40 patients at baseline and 4 of 27 patients with 18-month information. aP-AB positivity was more commonly present with cSLE-NCD than without (p=0.05). aP-ABs were negatively associated with performance on tests assessing working memory, psychomotor speed and visuoconstructional ability in using formal neurocognitive testing. There were also significant negative associations between aP-AB, S100A8/9, aNR2-AB, aGP1-AB, and lupus anticoagulant and accuracy rates on select Paediatric Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics subtests (p<0.05). Over time, decline in cognitive performance was more pronounced among patients with higher NGAL and aNR2-AB levels. Combinations of serum levels of S100A8/9, S100B, NGAL, aNR2-AB and aP-AB were able to identify cSLE-NCD (sensitivity: 100%; specificity 76%) in exploratory analysis.

Conclusions

Select brain-reactive proteins in the blood are associated with cognitive performance and the presence of cSLE-NCD, cross-sectionally and over time. This raises the possibility that testing of these proteins may assist with the screening of cSLE-NCD.

Discriminating infectious meningitis versus neuropsychiatric involvement in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a single-center experience

The objective of this study is to identify the clinical differences between infectious meningitis and neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) in patients with SLE. Clinical manifestations, laboratory test results, and prognoses of 14 SLE patients complicated with various infectious meningitis, hospitalized in the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School in the past 7 years, were reviewed and compared with those of 34 concomitantly treated NPSLE patients. Our study shows that mortality rate was much higher in SLE patients with infectious meningitis than in NPSLE patients. Compared to NPSLE, those with infectious meningitis had lower SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), but higher doses of corticosteroids 1 month before the occurrence of CNS symptoms. Headache, high fever, and vomiting were more common in patients with infectious meningitis, accompanied with the elevation of C-reactive protein level. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination showed increased levels of leukocytes and proteins but decreased glucose level in patients with infectious meningitis. We conclude that for SLE patients exhibiting CNS symptoms, high fever, high intake of corticosteroids, and abnormal CSF are important clues for the coexistence of infectious meningitis, especially tuberculous meningitis.

Diagnosis and management of neuropsychiatric SLE

Nervous system involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can manifest as a range of neurological and psychiatric features, which are classified using the ACR case definitions for 19 neuropsychiatric syndromes. Approximately one-third of all neuropsychiatric syndromes in patients with SLE are primary manifestations of SLE-related autoimmunity, with seizure disorders, cerebrovascular disease, acute confusional state and neuropathy being the most common. Such primary neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) events are a consequence either of microvasculopathy and thrombosis, or of autoantibodies and inflammatory mediators. Diagnosis of NPSLE requires the exclusion of other causes, and clinical assessment directs the selection of appropriate investigations. These investigations include measurement of autoantibodies, analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, electrophysiological studies, neuropsychological assessment and neuroimaging to evaluate brain structure and function. Treatment involves the management of comorbidities contributing to the neuropsychiatric event, use of symptomatic therapies, and more specific interventions with either anticoagulation or immunosuppressive agents, depending upon the primary immunopathogenetic mechanism. Although the prognosis is variable, studies suggest a more favourable outcome for primary NPSLE manifestations compared with neuropsychiatric events attributable to non-SLE causes.

Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus: association with global disease activity

Objective

To determine whether patients with neuropsychiatric (NP) events attributed to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have more global disease activity than patients with NP events not attributed to SLE.

Methods

Patients were recruited from an academic lupus clinic. Global disease activity was measured with the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and organ damage with the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) damage index (SDI). NP disease was defined using the ACR case definitions and decision rules for attribution of NP events to SLE and non-SLE causes.

Results

There were 68 patients (age (mean ± SD) 40.8 ± 15.2 years, 85% female, 94% Caucasians) with 126 NP events. SLEDAI-2K scores in patients with NP events attributed to SLE were higher than in patients with NP events attributed to non-SLE causes even when NP variables were removed from the SLEDAI-2K (mean ± SD: SLE NP = 7.36 ± 5.42 vs non-SLE NP = 5.53 ± 4.57, P = 0.042). Patients with CNS and diffuse NP events, rather that PNS and focal events, accounted for the group differences in SLEDAI-2K scores. There were no significant differences in total SDI scores comparing NP events due to SLE vs. non-SLE causes (mean ± SD: 2.1 ± 1.8 vs. 1.7 ± 1.7; p = 0.28) even when NP variables were omitted.

Conclusions

Increased global SLE disease activity is associated with concurrent NP events attributed to SLE, particularly for diffuse NP and CNS NP events. The findings have diagnostic and therapeutic implications for SLE patients with NP events and inform pathogenetic mechanisms underlying NPSLE.

Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus: magnetic resonance imaging findings and correlation with clinical and immunological features

Neuropsychiatric (NP) syndromes are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aims of this work were to describe the brain abnormalities in a group of SLE patients during their first episode of NP manifestations using a conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique and to investigate the possible correlation between these findings and the clinical and immunological characteristics of these patients. We performed an observational retrospective cross-sectional study that included all patients with NP symptoms who underwent MRI at the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona between the years 2003 and 2012 because of suspecting NP syndromes due to SLE (NPSLE). We studied 43 patients in which 11 types of NPSLE were present, being headache the most frequent, followed by cerebrovascular disease, epileptic crises and cranial neuropathy. A statistically significant association was found between myelopathy and low complement (C4) levels (p=0.035) and disease activity measured as SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) >4 (p=0.00006). Eighteen (41.9%) patients presented MRI abnormalities. We found an association between myelopathy and the presence of inflammatory or mixed (vascular and inflammatory) type lesions (p=0.003). This pattern was also associated with a high SLEDAI score (p=0.002) and low complement (CH50) levels (p=0.032). We found no relationship between MRI changes and age, time of evolution, or the presence of antiphospholipid or anti-dsDNA antibodies. These results suggest that MRI, although it is the imaging modality of choice in the present moment, by itself does not establish or exclude the diagnosis of NPSLE. In addition, the presence of certain disease activity features (SLEDAI and low complement levels) seems to be associated with the presence of an inflammatory pattern on MRI.

The MRL/lpr mouse strain as a model for neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus

To date, CNS disease and neuropsychiatric symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (NP-SLE) have been understudied compared to end-organ failure and peripheral pathology. In this review, we focus on a specific mouse model of lupus and the ways in which this model reflects some of the most common manifestations and potential mechanisms of human NP-SLE. The mouse MRL lymphoproliferation strain (a.k.a. MRL/lpr) spontaneously develops the hallmark serological markers and peripheral pathologies typifying lupus in addition to displaying the cognitive and affective dysfunction characteristic of NP-SLE, which may be among the earliest symptoms of lupus. We suggest that although NP-SLE may share common mechanisms with peripheral organ pathology in lupus, especially in the latter stages of the disease, the immunologically privileged nature of the CNS indicates that early manifestations of particularly mood disorders maybe derived from some unique mechanisms. These include altered cytokine profiles that can activate astrocytes, microglia, and alter neuronal function before dysregulation of the blood-brain barrier and development of clinical autoantibody titres.

A case of SLE presenting stroke-like symptoms

We report a 50-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who developed stroke-like symptoms, including disturbance of consciousness and severe left hemiparesis. Despite the stroke-like symptoms, MR imaging showed quite atypical findings for stroke; broad high-intensity areas in the right fronto-parietal lobes on diffusion-weighted images were shown mainly as iso-intensity areas on the ADC map, without any findings of stenosis of the cerebral large arteries. The cerebral blood flow in these areas was significantly decreased, as evaluated by single photon emission computed tomography. The present case suggests that small vessel vasculopathies localized in the unilateral hemisphere could cause "stroke-like" symptoms in SLE.

Autoantibodies involved in neuropsychiatric manifestations associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

In the course of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a variety of neuropsychiatric disturbances is reported with a prevalence ranging from 17% to 75%. The diagnosis of these syndromes is difficult and requires a careful psychiatric evaluation. Distinct autoantibodies detectable in serum or cerebrospinal fluid of patients with SLE are associated with the presence of neuropsychiatric disorders. These autoantibodies may have a pathogenic relevance in neuropsychiatric SLE or they may be merely an epiphenomenon. This review describes the various autoantibodies reported to be associated with neuropsychiatric manifestations in SLE and discusses their possible role.

Clinical features and outcome of neuropsychiatric lupus in Chinese: analysis of 240 hospitalized patients

Neuropsychiatric (NP) events are severe manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and relate to poor outcome. The aims of this study are to investigate the NP manifestations of SLE and to identify the predictive factors for clinical outcome. There was a retrospective review of 240 hospital patients with primary NP events of SLE (NPSLE) from 1990 to 2004. Neuropsychiatric manifestations, SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) score, System lupus International Collaborating Clinic/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SLICC/ACR-DI) score, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, treatment and mortality rate were included for analysis. From this group of patients, 15 NP syndromes were identified. The most frequent manifestation was headache, followed by seizure. The mean SLEDAI and SLICC/ACR-DI scores were 19.9 +/- 6.9 and 3.5 +/- 1.6, respectively. Abnormal MRI features were found in 67% (61/91) patients. At least one intrathecal (IT) injection of methotrexate (MTX) plus dexamethasone (DXM) was administered to 109 (45.4%) patients. High dose (1 g) intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy (IVMP) was administered to 167 (69.5%) patients. Multifactor analysis revealed that high SLICC/ACR-DI scores and sets of concurrent NP symptoms were independently associated with poor outcome, whereas pulse IVMP and IT injection of MTX plus DXM were protective factors against poor outcome. From our data, NPSLE is heterogeneous and is usually associated with high disease activity and organ damage scores. High SLICC/ACR-DI score and having more than two sets of NP symptoms are the predictors for poor outcome, whereas pulse IVMP and IT injection of MTX plus DXM can improve the prognosis.

Autoantibodies Involved in Neuropsychiatric SLE and Antiphospholipid Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

We sought (1) to identify and (2) to define the association of all reported antibodies (Abs) with neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE), (3) to search for possible mechanisms that are involved in NPSLE, and (4) to determine whether we can recognize a panel of Abs associated with specific neuropsychiatric (NP) manifestations.

METHODS

A MEDLINE search (1975 to 2005) was performed utilizing the following terms: neuropsychiatric lupus, antiphospholipid syndrome, or central nervous system systemic lupus erythematosus matched with the term antibodies.

RESULTS

Twenty Abs (11 brain-specific and 9 systemic) were described in NPSLE patients. These include Abs that target brain-specific antigens (neuronal, ganglioside, synaptosomes, glia, methyl-d-aspartate receptors, lymphocytotoxic) and systemic antigens (nuclear, cytoplasmic, phospholipid, endothelial cells). Cognitive impairment, psychosis, and depression were associated with many Abs. Elevated titers of anticardiolipin Abs (aCL) were reported most often and found in patients with cognitive impairment, psychosis, depression, seizures, chorea, and migraine. No specificity was encountered among brain-specific or systemic Abs for any single NP manifestation. No studies evaluated a specific NP manifestation with the full panel of 20 Abs. A panel of brain-specific and systemic Abs may be helpful in establishing the diagnosis of NPSLE. Postulated mechanisms in experimental models included vascular occlusion and injury by pathogenic Abs in a disrupted blood brain barrier.

CONCLUSIONS

NPSLE is associated with brain-specific and systemic Abs. Cognitive impairment, psychosis, and depression were associated with many Abs, including aCL Abs. Possible mechanisms include vascular occlusion and injury by pathogenic Abs in a disrupted blood brain barrier.