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The bm12 Inducible Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: November 1, 2015
CNS lupus: a study of 41 patients
Fady G Joseph1, G Alistair Lammie, Neil J Scolding
1Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, UK.
Neurology
|August 19, 2007
Summary
Central nervous system lupus (CNS lupus) can present with movement disorders like parkinsonism. Early recognition and immunosuppressant treatment are key, as standard therapies and some tests may be misleading.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Central nervous system lupus erythematosus (CNS-SLE) presents diagnostic challenges despite being a recognized condition.
- Further study of neuropsychiatric lupus is crucial for improving patient recognition and management.
Observation:
- A retrospective analysis of 41 CNS-SLE patients (1990-2002) revealed primary neurologic presentations in 10 patients.
- Unexpectedly, movement disorders (parkinsonism, myoclonus) emerged early in 4 of these 10 patients.
- These movement disorders responded to immunosuppressants but not dopaminergic therapy.
Findings:
- Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or plasma viscosity during neurologic episodes, with normal C-reactive protein, suggests CNS-SLE.
- Neither normal ESR nor negative serology excludes CNS lupus; MR imaging findings vary with deficit type.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities significantly correlate with poorer patient outcomes.
Implications:
- Findings aid in recognizing CNS-SLE, particularly in elderly patients, and managing non-choreic movement disorders.
- Understanding diagnostic nuances, including misleading test results, improves clinical practice.
- Prognostic value of CSF analysis guides treatment intensity and patient monitoring.
