Determinants of Neuropsychiatric Flares in People with Lupus

In a new study, researchers explored predictors of neuropsychiatric (brain-related) flare activity in people with lupus being treated with active disease (without ongoing or severe neuropsychiatric involvement), and found an association between males, active or previous neuropsychiatric activity, and established organ damage. Neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE) is sometimes called central nervous system (CNS) lupus and affects the brain, spinal cord or other nerves in the body.

Researchers analyzed data from five Phase III lupus clinical trials. The male sex was strongly associated with NPSLE flare activity. Belimumab (Benlysta®) treatment at any dose or administration form did not offer any clear protection from flare occurrence and persons with lupus of Asian ethnicity were not associated with development of NPSLE flares.

While more research is needed to understand the role that sex plays in NPSLE disease evolution, the researchers suggest close monitoring of NPSLE activity in males with lupus, and especially in males with a history of NPSLE and established damage. Learn more about lupus and the nervous system.

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