Cognitive dysfunction, depression and anxiety in a cohort of systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Abstract

SLE is the prototype of connective tissue diseases that can present the complete spectrum of neurologic and psychiatric disorders, cognitive dysfunction, depression and anxiety being more prevalent compared to general population, with an input on patients’ prognosis and quality of life. In this study we aimed to determine the presence of cognitive dysfunction, anxiety and depression in a cohort of SLE patients, and their relationship to disease activty and quality of life. We determined the presence of these neuropsychyatric manifestations in signfficant percentages, directly correlated to disease activity and with an impact of quality of life. Our results lead to its extension, with multicentric contribution, and underline the necessity and benefit of a careful and periodical neuropsychiatric examination, in order to recognize the clinical patterns in early stages, apply the proper therapeutic measures, quantify the future damage and improve the outcome of these patients.