Neurologic complications of systemic lupus erythematosus

Nervous system dysfunction occurs in 50 to 75 percent of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and is a common cause of morbidity and mortality. This may be a direct effect of the disease or an indirect effect of associated infection, metabolic derangement or therapy. Though the pathogenesis is poorly understood, steroids are still the mainstay of therapy. Since the family physician is often the first to encounter the patient with SLE, an awareness of the associated neurologic complications may facilitate early recognition and treatment.