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Published on: April 23, 2021
Site differences in mild cognitive dysfunction (MCD) among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
1Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA. Kozorae@njhealth.org
Lupus
|December 25, 2012
Summary
Mild cognitive dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus (MCD-SLE) was more prevalent in New York than Denver. Longer disease duration and complications may explain the higher rate of cognitive impairment in SLE patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rheumatology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Mild cognitive dysfunction (MCD) is a frequent complication in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
- Limited research has explored geographical variations in MCD prevalence among SLE patients.
- Investigating site differences is crucial for understanding MCD-SLE heterogeneity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prevalence and characteristics of mild cognitive dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus (MCD-SLE) between two distinct geographical locations.
- To identify potential factors contributing to observed differences in MCD-SLE rates.
- To inform future research on the geographical variability of cognitive impairment in SLE.
Main Methods:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients from Denver, CO, and New York, NY, were recruited for parallel cognition studies.
- Neuropsychological test scores were used to calculate a cognitive impairment index (CII) for each patient.
- Statistical analyses were performed to compare MCD-SLE rates and associated clinical factors between the two sites.
Main Results:
- The rate of MCD-SLE was significantly higher in New York (60%) compared to Denver (24%).
- New York participants exhibited a higher mean cognitive impairment index (4.4 vs. 2.6) and longer disease duration.
- Impairment was more frequent in semantic verbal fluency, visuomotor speed, and motor sequencing in the New York cohort, correlating with disease duration.
Conclusions:
- Mild cognitive dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus (MCD-SLE) demonstrates geographical variability, with a higher prevalence observed in New York compared to Denver.
- Longer disease duration and increased medical complications in the New York SLE cohort may contribute to the elevated rates of cognitive impairment.
- Further research is recommended to elucidate site-specific factors and potential biases influencing MCD-SLE presentation.
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