Biomarkers may be associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms of lupus

New research has identified a suite of proteins in cerebrospinal fluid that have higher concentrations in patients with neuropsychiatric lupus when compared with individuals with other diseases. Researchers hope this may be developed into a diagnostic tool to distinguish between neuropsychiatric diseases. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, and symptoms of SLE can depend on which tissues are affected; most people experience fatigue, pain and skin rashes. However, around half of people with lupus also experience neuropsychiatric symptoms such as seizures, meningitis, psychosis and mood disorders. These neuropsychiatric symptoms...