Neuropsychiatric manifestations systemic lupus erythematosus: A study from South India

Context: Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) has varied manifestations. Aims: To study the pattern of neuropsychiatric (NP) involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Settings and Design: Hospital based cross sectional and retrospective study. Patients and Methods: Patients admitted with a diagnosis of SLE, during a period of 16 months, were evaluated and any NP syndrome present classified as per the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) nomenclature. Statistical analysis: SPSS software Version 10 was used for descriptive analysis and correlative study. Results: Out of 50 patients with SLE, all the patients with NPSLE [39 (78%)] were females, mean age 25.66 years (range: 11-44). The commonest manifestation was headache [20 (55.6%)]. Seizures were seen in 8 (20.51%) and psychosis in 6 (16.2%). Fine distal tremor was seen in 8 (20.51%) of patients. Conclusions: Headache is a frequent NP syndrome. Fine distal tremor is a syndrome not included in ACR classification but seen is 20% of our patients with NPSLE.