[Systemic lupus erythematosus of the nervous system--selected aspects]

Wiad Lek. 2015;68(1):39-44.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

Neurological symptoms in SLE are still the challenge for the practitioners. It is assumed that that the central nervous system (CNS) is affected in 95% patients with SLE. It is a cause significantly worsening the prognosis, responsible for the mortality increase in this disease. In 1999 American Academy of Rheumatology published the first formal classification of the neurological symptoms in SLE. 19 types of the neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosous (NPSLE) are distinguished. Ischaemic strokes of CNS, transistent ischaemic attaks, epileptic seizures and mobility disturbances are the most common symptoms. It is assumed that antiphospholipid antibodies are the most important factors in the NPSLE pathogenesis. These antibodies reveal prothrombotic and proinflammatory activities with vasculitis as the effect of this action. However it should be stressed that cause-effect relationship between the action of specific antibodies and neurological symptoms are still unclear. Better understanding of neurological and psychiatric symptoms of SLE may allow faster diagnosis, as well as the disease exacerbation and the application of proper therapy.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Antiphospholipid / immunology
  • Causality
  • Comorbidity
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Epilepsy / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Ischemic Attack, Transient / epidemiology*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / diagnosis
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / epidemiology*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology
  • Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis
  • Nervous System Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Stroke / epidemiology
  • Survival Rate

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antiphospholipid