Neuropsychiatric manifestations systemic lupus erythematosus: A study from South India

Abstract

Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) has varied manifestations. To study the pattern of neuropsychiatric (NP) involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Hospital based cross sectional and retrospective study. Patients admitted with a diagnosis of SLE, during a period of 16 months, were evaluated and any NP syndrome present classified as per the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) nomenclature. SPSS software Version 10 was used for descriptive analysis and correlative study. Out of 50 patients with SLE, all the patients with NPSLE [39 (78%)] were females, mean age 25.66 years (range: 11-44). The commonest manifestation was headache [20 (55.6%)]. Seizures were seen in 8 (20.51%) and psychosis in 6 (16.2%). Fine distal tremor was seen in 8 (20.51%) of patients. Headache is a frequent NP syndrome. Fine distal tremor is a syndrome not included in ACR classification but seen is 20% of our patients with NPSLE.