Neuropsychological functions in systemic lupus erythematosus: a comparison with chronic whiplash patients

A comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests sampling a wide range of cognitive functions was administrated to 36 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and a control group consisting of 31 patients with persistent symptoms after whiplash injury. Our results demonstrated significant group differences and suggest that cognitive dysfunction is common in SLE and that there are significant abnormalities in the SLE group compared to chronic illness of non-immunological nature. Considerable variability occurred in the neuropsychological profiles for SLE patients. No significant association was found between cognitive dysfunction and use of corticosteroids, except for the two neuropsychological tests Digit span and Seashore rhythm test. Associations were not found between cognitive dysfunction and depression either, except for the Seashore rhythm test. These findings indicate that cognitive dysfunction in SLE reflects CNS involvement, rather than coexisting emotional disturbance. No significant cognitive impairment was found in the whiplash group. However, our results indicate depressed mood among the whiplash group.