ANTI-P ANTIBODIES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH PSYCHIATRIC AND FOCAL CEREBRAL DISORDERS IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Abstract

In a cross-sectional study, 62 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus were assessed using standardized psychiatric and psychological methods; systemic disease activity was scored using the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group and the Lupus Activity Criteria Count indices. IgG and IgM anti-P antibodies were measured by ELISA using a synthetic 22 amino acid peptide as the relevant antigen. IgG and IgM anti-P antibodies were significantly associated with neuropsychiatric disorders (psychiatric and neurological) but failed to distinguish patients with psychiatric disorders from those with neurological disorders. These antibodies were not associated with cognitive impairment or systemic disease activity.