Cognitive functions in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

ABSTRACT

To assess cognitive function in patients with SLE and to determine its correlation to demographics, quality of life, and disease- related variables. Twenty patients with systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] who fulfilled the revised criteria for classification of SLE of the American College of Rheumatology and twenty healthy control subjects apparently free from any relevant disease were included in this study. All patients were subjected to full history taking, thorough clinical examination, assessment of disease activity using SLAM index and assessment of quality of life using Beck Questionnaire as well as detection of IgG anticardiolipin antibodies using ELISA. Cognitive function tests were performed by Stanford-Binet IV scale which measure verbal ability, visual/ abstract ability, short-term memory, and general intelligence quotient [IQ]. The mean scores of all cognitive function tests] verbal ability, visual ability, short term memory and [I.Q.] [in SLE patients showed a statistically significant decrease [p<0.05] as compared to controls. Cognitive functions of SLE patients correlated positively with quality of life and correlated negatively with disease activity, antiphospholipid antibodies, and CNS manifestations of SLE patients. Cognitive functions of SLE patients showed a significant impairment compared with normal people. Disease activity, antiphospholipid antibodies, quality of life and CNS manifestations of SLE patients were associated with impairment in cognitive functions. Evaluation of cognitive function, improving of disease activity and quality of life should be given greater emphasis in SLE patients especially in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies and CNS manifestations