Management of inflammatory neurologic and psychiatric manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review

Recent advances in the diagnosis and management of neuropsychiatric lupus

Neuropsychiatric manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are common and frequently associated with a substantial negative impact on health outcomes. The pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) remains largely unknown, but a single pathogenic mechanism is unlikely to be responsible for the heterogeneous array of clinical manifestations, and a combination of inflammatory and ischaemic mechanistic pathways have been implicated. Currently, valid and reliable biomarkers for the diagnosis of NPSLE are lacking, and differentiating NPSLE from nervous system dysfunction not caused by SLE remains a major challenge for clinicians. However, correct attribution is essential to ensure timely institution of appropriate treatment. In the absence of randomized clinical trials on NPSLE, current treatment strategies are derived from clinical experience with different therapeutic modalities and their efficacy in the management of other manifestations of SLE or of neuropsychiatric disease in non-SLE populations. This Review describes recent advances in the understanding of NPSLE that can inform diagnosis and management, as well as unanswered questions that necessitate further research.

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.

Neurologic Manifestations of Rheumatologic Disorders

OBJECTIVE

This article provides an overview of the neurologic manifestations of sarcoidosis and select rheumatologic disorders. An approach to the assessment and differential diagnosis of characteristic clinical presentations, including meningitis and vasculitis, is also reviewed. A review of treatment options is included as well as discussion of distinct areas of overlap, including rheumatologic disease in the setting of neuromyelitis spectrum disorder and demyelinating disease in the setting of tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

An increased understanding of the immune mechanisms involved in sarcoidosis and rheumatologic diseases has resulted in a greater diversity of therapeutic options for their treatment. Evidence directing the treatment of the central nervous system (CNS) manifestations of these same diseases is lacking, with a paucity of controlled trials.

ESSENTIAL POINTS

It is important to have a basic knowledge of the common CNS manifestations of rheumatologic diseases and sarcoidosis so that they can be recognized when encountered. In the context of many systemic inflammatory diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, IgG4-related disease, and sarcoidosis, CNS disease may be a presenting feature or occur without systemic manifestations of the disease, making familiarity with these diseases even more important.

Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: An Update

Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) is a potentially serious and life-threatening complication of SLE. The presentation and severity of neuropsychiatric involvement in SLE may show considerable variability. The disease can affect the neural tissue directly or may be associated with vascular involvement, mainly associated with anti-phospholipid (aPL) antibodies. A direct causal link with SLE may sometimes be challenging since there are many confounding factors and the symptoms may be non-specific. Despite its remarkable sensitivity in detecting hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke, transverse myelitis and ischemic infarction, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lacks the spatial resolution required to identify microvascular involvement. When standard MRI fails to detect a suspicious lesion, it is advisable to use advanced imaging modalities such as positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or quantitative MRI, if available. Even with these advanced modalities, the specificity of neuroimaging in NPSLE remains inadequate (60-82% for MRI). Neuropsychiatric syndromes, such as cerebrovascular events, seizures and cognitive impairments appear to be associated with serum aPL antibodies. Some studies have shown that anti-ribosomal P antibodies have a low sensitivity for NPSLE and a limited contribution to the differentiation of different clinical entities. Treatment has two main goals: symptomatic relief and treatment of the disease itself. Commonly used immunosuppressants for NPSLE include cyclophosphamide (CYC), azathioprine (AZA), and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). According to EULAR's current recommendation, strong immunosuppressants such as CYC and rituximab (RTX) should be preferred. Biologics have also been used in NPSLE. Fingolimod, eculizumab, and JAK inhibitors are potential drugs in the pipeline. Developing targeted therapies will be possible by a better understanding of the pathological mechanisms.

Serotonin Syndrome-Mimicking Manifestations in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) is a complication of systemic lupus erythematosus with diverse clinical presentations sharing common features with variable neurologic disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may provide imaging evidence of structural brain abnormalities associated with symptoms of NPSLE. Serotonin syndrome is a toxidrome characterized by altered mental status, autonomic hyperactivity, and neuromuscular abnormalities. It is mostly caused by medications that increase serotonin and is rarely reported as a manifestation of neuropsychiatric lupus. We presented the case of a 24-year-old Taiwanese woman with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosed at 21 years of age. The initial clinical and laboratory presentations upon diagnosis included fever, arthritis, hypocomplementemia, positive antinuclear antibody, anti-double-stranded DNA antibody, and anti-ribosomal P antibody. Her condition once remained stable under oral glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants, but she developed sudden-onset consciousness disturbance, incoherent speech, and unsteady gait ten days before our assessment. A high fever of up to 39 °C with tremor and clonus occurred at the intensive care unit. Brain MRI revealed symmetric T2 hyperintensity without diffusion restriction over the bilateral globus pallidus. High-dose pulse glucocorticoid and rituximab were prescribed during her admission and the neuropsychiatric symptoms diminished upon treatment. No alternation in mental status or involuntary movements were noted at follow-up. Our patient was diagnosed with neuropsychiatric lupus, with clinical symptoms and image findings mimicking those of serotonin syndrome. Neuroimaging, such as MRI, detects various structural brain abnormalities and may provide pathophysiological evidence of clinical manifestations.

The Challenge of Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: From Symptoms to Therapeutic Strategies

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune condition that can seriously impair multiple organs including the nervous system, causing neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE), which encompasses a broad range of symptoms. Pathogenesis is not completely understood but is thought to involve inflammatory and vascular pathways. This comprehensive review discusses the complex nature and heterogeneity of NPSLE and the challenges in diagnosis and treatment that result from it. Diagnosis often requires a multidisciplinary approach with multiple assessments, including laboratory testing, imaging, and neuropsychological evaluations. Current treatments focus on managing symptoms through immunosuppressive and anti-thrombotic therapies tailored to the inflammatory or vascular nature of the specific NPSLE manifestations. This paper emphasizes the necessity for interdisciplinary approaches and further research to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment effectiveness. It also highlights the importance of understanding the underlying mechanisms of NPSLE to develop more targeted therapies, citing the need for high-quality studies and novel treatment agents.

Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effect of High-Dose Immunoglobulins in Children: From Approved Indications to Off-Label Use

BACKGROUND

The large-scale utilization of immunoglobulins in patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) since 1952 prompted the discovery of their key role at high doses as immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory therapy, in the treatment of IEI-related immune dysregulation disorders, according to labelled and off-label indications. Recent years have been dominated by a progressive imbalance between the gradual but constant increase in the use of immunoglobulins and their availability, exacerbated by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES

To provide pragmatic indications for a need-based application of high-dose immunoglobulins in the pediatric context.

SOURCES

A literature search was performed using PubMed, from inception until 1st August 2023, including the following keywords: anti-inflammatory; children; high dose gammaglobulin; high dose immunoglobulin; immune dysregulation; immunomodulation; immunomodulatory; inflammation; intravenous gammaglobulin; intravenous immunoglobulin; off-label; pediatric; subcutaneous gammaglobulin; subcutaneous immunoglobulin. All article types were considered.

IMPLICATIONS

In the light of the current imbalance between gammaglobulins' demand and availability, this review advocates the urgency of a more conscious utilization of this medical product, giving indications about benefits, risks, cost-effectiveness, and administration routes of high-dose immunoglobulins in children with hematologic, neurologic, and inflammatory immune dysregulation disorders, prompting further research towards a responsible employment of gammaglobulins and improving the therapeutical decisional process.

Neuropsychiatric involvement in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: A multicenter study

INTRODUCTION

Neuropsychiatric (NP) involvement is a restricted area in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE).

AIM

To investigate the prevalence, demographic and clinical features, and outcomes of the neurological involvement in the Turkish jSLE population.

METHODS

This study was based upon 24 referral centers' SLE cohorts, multicenter and multidisciplinary network in Turkey. Patient data were collected by a case report form which was standardized for NP definitions according to American Collage of Rheumatology (ACR). Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI) neuropsychiatric part was used to determine NP damage. Variables were evaluated Ward's hierarchical clustering analyses, univariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

A hundred forty-nine of 1107 jSLE patients had NP involvement (13.5%). The most common NPSLE findings were headache (50.3%), seizure (38.3%), and acute confusional state (33.6%). Five clusters were identified with all clinical and laboratory findings. The first two clusters involved neuropathies, demyelinating diseases, aseptic meningitis, and movement disorder. Cluster 3 involved headache, activity markers and other SLE involvements. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, cognitive dysfunction, psychiatric disorders and SLE antibodies were in the fourth, and acute confusional state was in the fifth cluster. In multivariate analysis, APA positivity; OR: 2.820, (%95CI: 1.002-7.939), P: 0,050, plasmapheresis; OR: 13.804 (%95CI: 2.785-68.432), P: 0,001, SLEDAI scores; OR: 1.115 (%95CI: (1.049-1.186), P: 0,001 were associated with increased risk for neurologic sequelae.

CONCLUSION

We detected the prevalence of juvenile NPSLE manifestations in Turkey. We have identified five clusters that may shed light pathogenesis, treatment and prognosis of NP involvements. We also determined risk factors of neurological sequelae. Our study showed that new definitions NP involvements and sequelae for childhood period are needed.

Association of mycophenolate and azathioprine use with cognitive function in systemic lupus

OBJECTIVES

Cognitive dysfunction (CD) is a common manifestation of SLE that can have detrimental consequences for those affected. To date, no treatments have been approved for SLE-CD. This study aims to assess the association of azathioprine (AZA) and mycophenolate (MMF) use with SLE-CD, given that these medications have demonstrated neuroprotective qualities in prior studies.

METHODS

Consecutive adult SLE patients presenting to a single healthcare center were considered for participation. The ACR neuropsychological battery for SLE was administered to consenting patients at 0, 6 and 12 months. Scores were compared with age- and sex-matched controls. Primary outcome was CD, defined as a z-score ≤-1.5 in two or more cognitive domains. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were constructed to estimate the odds of CD with respect to AZA and MMF use.

RESULTS

A total of 300 participants representing 676 patient visits completed the study; 114 (38%) met criteria for CD at baseline. The cumulative AZA dose (g/kg) was associated with reduced odds of CD [odds ratio (OR) 0.76 (95% CI 0.58, 0.98), P = 0.04]. Years of AZA treatment was also associated with reduced odds of CD [OR 0.72 (95% CI 0.54, 0.97), P = 0.03]. MMF use was not associated with CD.

CONCLUSION

AZA use was associated with significantly lower odds of SLE-CD, while MMF use was not. Additional studies are warranted to further investigate the relationship of AZA and SLE-CD.

Cyclophosphamide-induced seizures in a patient with neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE): A case report

Seizures are life-threatening complications of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) and are often associated with poor outcomes. Cyclophosphamide immunotherapy is the mainstay of NPSLE treatment. We report the unique case of a patient with NPSLE who developed seizures soon after her first and second doses of low-dose cyclophosphamide. The exact pathophysiological mechanism underlying cyclophosphamide-induced seizures is not well understood. However, this unusual drug-associated side effect of cyclophosphamide is thought to be due to the drug’s unique pharmacology. Clinicians should be aware of this complication to make a correct diagnosis and adjust the immunosuppressive regimens very carefully.

Supporting the differential diagnosis of connective tissue diseases with neurological involvement by blood and cerebrospinal fluid flow cytometry

OBJECTIVE

Neurological manifestations of autoimmune connective tissue diseases (CTD) are poorly understood and difficult to diagnose. We here aimed to address this shortcoming by studying immune cell compositions in CTD patients with and without neurological manifestation.

METHODS

Using flow cytometry, we retrospectively investigated paired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood samples of 28 CTD patients without neurological manifestation, 38 CTD patients with neurological manifestation (N-CTD), 38 non-inflammatory controls, and 38 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, a paradigmatic primary neuroinflammatory disease.

RESULTS

We detected an expansion of plasma cells in the blood of both N-CTD and CTD compared to non-inflammatory controls and MS. Blood plasma cells alone distinguished the clinically similar entities N-CTD and MS with high discriminatory performance (AUC: 0.81). Classical blood monocytes indicated higher disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Surprisingly, immune cells in the CSF did not differ significantly between N-CTD and CTD, while CD4⁺ T cells and the CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio were elevated in the blood of N-CTD compared to CTD. Several B cell-associated parameters partially overlapped in the CSF in MS and N-CTD. We built a machine learning model that distinguished N-CTD from MS with high discriminatory power using either blood or CSF.

CONCLUSION

We here find that blood flow cytometry alone surprisingly suffices to distinguish CTD with neurological manifestations from clinically similar entities, suggesting that a rapid blood test could support clinicians in the differential diagnosis of N-CTD.

Clinical outcome in patients with suspected inflammatory neuropsychiatric lupus treated with immunosuppression: an observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

The short-term and long-term outcome of inflammatory neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) with immunosuppressive treatment is largely unknown. We used clinical data from our tertiary referral centre for NPSLE to investigate the type of inflammatory NPSLE manifestations, type of immunosuppressive treatment prescribed for these manifestations and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

All patients with SLE visiting the Leiden University Medical Centre NPSLE clinic between 2007 and 2021 receiving immunosuppressive therapy for neuropsychiatric symptoms were included. Clinical, immunological and radiological information was collected in as standardised way during a 1-day multidisciplinary assessment. In a multidisciplinary consensus meeting, the presence of NPSLE and the type of NPSLE manifestations and treatment were determined. For this study, short-term (0-6 months) and long-term outcomes (7-24 months) of the NP symptoms were assessed by two independent readers and scored on a 7-point Likert scale, ranging from death to resolved.

RESULTS

In total, 95 out of 398 (24%) patients visiting the NPSLE clinic between 2007 and 2021 received any form of immunosuppressive treatment for 101 separate NPSLE events. The most common NP manifestation was cognitive dysfunction (50%) as identified by formal cognitive assessment, often present in combination with other NPSLE manifestations. Treatment modalities were induction (24%), induction and maintenance (73%) and other therapy (3%). The treatments mostly consisted of (combinations of) prednisone (97%), methylprednisolone (53%), azathioprine (generally 2 mg/kg daily) (49%) and cyclophosphamide (generally induction 750 mg/m² every 4 weeks for 24 weeks or 500mg biweekly for 12 weeks) (42%). Short-term outcome showed improvement on the Likert scale in 73% (improved: 22%, much improved: 29%, resolved: 22%), no change in 21% and worsening in 6% of patients. Long-term outcome was available for 78 out of 101 events and showed improvement in 70% (improved: 14%, much improved: 28%, resolved: 28%), no change in 17%, worsening in 10% and death in 3% of patients (none directly NPSLE-related).

CONCLUSION

The outcome of inflammatory NPSLE after immunosuppressive treatment is generally good, with improvement of neuropsychiatric symptoms occuring in approximately 70% of events.

Choroid Plexus-Infiltrating T Cells as Drivers of Murine Neuropsychiatric Lupus

OBJECTIVE

T cells are critical in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in that they secrete inflammatory cytokines, help autoantibody production, and form autoreactive memory T cells. Although the contribution of T cells to several forms of organ-mediated damage in SLE has been previously demonstrated, the role of T cells in neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE), which involves diffuse central nervous system manifestations and is observed in 20-40% of SLE patients, is not known. Therefore, we conducted this study to evaluate how behavioral deficits are altered after depletion or transfer of T cells, to directly assess the role of T cells in NPSLE.

METHODS

MRL/lpr mice, an NPSLE mouse model, were either systemically depleted of CD4+ T cells or intracerebroventricularly injected with choroid plexus (CP)-infiltrating T cells and subsequently evaluated for alterations in neuropsychiatric manifestations. Our study end points included evaluation of systemic disease and assessment of central nervous system changes.

RESULTS

Systemic depletion of CD4+ T cells ameliorated systemic disease and cognitive deficits. Intracerebroventricular injection of CP-infiltrating T cells exacerbated depressive-like behavior and worsened cognition in recipient mice compared with mice who received injection of splenic lupus T cells or phosphate buffered saline. Moreover, we observed enhanced activation in CP-infiltrating T cells when cocultured with brain lysate-pulsed dendritic cells in comparison to the activation levels observed in cocultures with splenic T cells.

CONCLUSION

T cells, and more specifically CP-infiltrating antigen-specific T cells, contributed to the pathogenesis of NPSLE in mice, indicating that, in the development of more targeted treatments for NPSLE, modulation of T cells may represent a potential therapeutic strategy.

Understanding Ocular Findings and Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Update Review of the Literature

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease. Up to one-third of patients suffering from SLE have various ocular manifestations. The ocular findings may represent the initial manifestation of the systemic disease and may lead to severe ocular complications, and even loss of vision. Ocular manifestations are often associated with degree of systemic inflammation, but also can precede the occurrence of systemic symptoms. Early diagnosis and adequate management of patients with SLE are crucial and require cooperation between various specialists. Proper preparation of ophthalmologists can help to differentiate between complication of SLE and other ocular disorders. New therapies for SLE are promising for potential benefits, however, ocular side effects are still unknown.

Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: a remaining challenge

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease, which affects a wide range of organs with variable clinical features. Involvement of the nervous system is a challenging and multifaceted manifestation of the disease, presenting with a broad range of symptoms. Neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE) encompasses seven syndromes of the peripheral and 12 of the central nervous system, associated with a high disease burden. Despite advances in the management of SLE, NP manifestations still pose a challenge to clinicians. First, diagnosis and attribution to SLE is difficult due to the lack of specific biomarkers or imaging modalities. Second, therapeutic options are limited, and evidence is mainly based on case reports and expert consensus, as clinical trials are sparse. Moreover, no validated outcome measure on disease activity exists. Current recommendations for treatment include supportive as well as immunosuppressive medication, depending on the type and severity of manifestations. As NPSLE manifestations are increasingly recognized, a broader spectrum of therapeutic options can be expected.

[Importance of cognitive disorders in internal medicine: Pathophysiology, diagnosis, management. The example of systemic lupus erythematosus]

Systemic diseases, which are in France mainly monitored in internal medicine, affect multiple organs or tissues. While cutaneous or articular manifestations are the most common, neurological involvement is often associated with severity. Diagnosis of peripheral (e.g, neuropathies) or central (e.g, myelitis) nervous disorders is quite easy through clinical examination and dedicated complementary tests. However, neuropsychological manifestations that affect cognition, including memory, attention, executive functions or reasoning, are difficult to diagnose, sometimes trivialized by practitioners. Their causes are often numerous and interrelated. Nevertheless, these cognitive manifestations are closely related to patients' quality of life, affecting their social life, family dynamics and professional integration but also the treatment adherence. The purpose of this review, focused on the example of systemic lupus erythematosus, is to raise awareness of cognitive dysfunction in systemic diseases including their management from diagnosis to treatments. The final aim is to go further into setting up research groups and care programs for patients with cognitive impairment followed in internal medicine.

A skin in situ immune cell detection kit for the diagnosis and classification of cutaneous lupus erythematosus

Background

Although lupus can be diagnosed by first impression, medical history, physical examination, pathological analysis and laboratory tests, the accurate classification of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LE) is still a major challenge in the clinic, which might mislead the selection of treatments and miss the right time for the administration of therapies. The goal of this study was to establish a novel kit to assist with the diagnosis and classification of cutaneous lupus.

Methods

Sixty-five patients from three hospitals were included in this study, including 50 patients with LE and other similar skin diseases. We invited two dermatology specialists to make an accurate diagnosis of the subtypes of lupus based on the patient’s clinical features, laboratory examination tests, pathology manifestation analysis, medical treatments and follow-up records. Then, we used their diagnosis results as a standard to which we successively compared the consistency of each step of our diagnosis processes, including impression diagnosis, pathology diagnosis, the combined consideration of the former two diagnostic analyses, and the results of an in situ immune cell detection kit to assist in arriving at a judgement.

Results

By Cohen’s kappa analysis, we found that the results of the in situ immune cell detection kit had the highest consistency with the diagnoses of the two specialists, both for the diagnosis (k=0.921) and for the classification of cutaneous lupus (k=0.940). In addition, this kit enhanced the LE classification accuracy by 36.3% compared with the diagnostic accuracy of impression diagnosis combined with only pathological analysis.

Conclusions

This skin in situ immune cell detection kit may assist doctors in achieving a higher diagnostic performance and price ratio and enhance their diagnostic efficiency.