Recent observations on central nervous system lupus erythematosus

Correlation between anti-DNA antibody titre and psychiatric manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus

“…A growing amount of recently accumulated evidence indicates that the pathogenic mechanisms which underlie the cerebral manifestations of SLE are similar to those involved in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis (Bennett et al, 1972;Baker et al, 1974;Petz et al, 1971;Hadler et al, 1973;Keeffe et al, 1974;Harbeck et al, 1973;Levin et al, 1972;Atkins et al, 1972;Bennahum and Messner, 1975). Hence, immune complexes of DNA and its antibody were found to be deposited on the basal membrane of the choroid plexus in SLE patients with CNS involvement (Atkins et al, 1972).…”

“…A good correlation between high anti-DNA antibody titres and low complement levels was observed during periods of active renal or cutaneous involvement in SLE patients (Oyama, 1971;Levo et al, 1973). The pathogenesis of central nervous system (CNS) involvement in SLE is possibly based on the same mechanisms (Bennett et al, 1972;Baker et al, 1974;Petz et al, 1971;Hadler et al, 1973;Keeffe, Baradana and Harbeck, 1974;Harbeck et al, 1973;Levin et al, 1972;Atkins et al, 1972;Bennahum and Messner, 1975). However, the correlation between cerebral manifestations in SLE patients and similar immunological parameters during various stages of their disease has not yet been established.…”

Chorea and Systemic Lupus erythematosus

“…It stands to reason that the limited length of duration is determined largely by the admin istration of effective drugs, such as haloperidol and/or prednisone. At this point it should be emphasized, however, that the chorea in the cases of Heilman et al [1971] and Saatçi et al [1977] and also in the case mentioned by Bennahum and Messner [1975] developed during azathioprine and corticosteroid ther apy! In addition, it should be pointed out that there proved to be no relationship what soever between the dose of the medication (prednisone or haioperidol) given and the duration of the choreatic episode.…”

“…[1958], Peterson ct al. [1963], Klawans and Weiner [1974], Bennahum and Messner [1975], Gibson and Myers [1976], Grigor ct al. [1978], Winfield ct al.…”

“…CNS involvement is reported to occur in 25-75% of the cases [Johnson and Richardson. 1968;Small et al, 1977], but most authors report figures around 50% [Bennahum and Messner, 1975], Seizures, major and minor neuropsychiatrie symptoms, cranial and peripheral neuropa thies, hemiparesis and paraparesis are most commonly reported. Choreatic movements occur in approximately 1-4% of all cases of SLE, and are usually accompanied by other CNS symptoms.…”