Risk of seizure after diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is increased in patients with prior psychosis, neuropathy, proteinuria, anti-Sm, low C3, and use of corticosteroids. This according to a study of 2,203 patients with SLE and no history of seizure prior to diagnosis. Researchers found:

• 7.13% of patients had their first seizure occurrence at the time of (1.68%) or after diagnosis (5.45%).

• Risk of seizure occurring around the time of SLE diagnosis was higher in patients with a history of malar rash, proteinuria, and psychosis.

• Multivariable analysis of the first seizure after SLE diagnosis showed that history of low C3, psychosis, cranial or peripheral neuropathy, anti-Sm antibody, renal involvement, and current corticosteroid dose were independently associated with higher incidence of seizure.

• Disease activity was not predictive after adjustment for corticosteroids.

Citation: Huang XY, Magder LS, Petri M. Predictors of incident seizure in systemic lupus erythematosus. [Published online ahead of print January 15, 2016]. J Rheum. doi:10.3899/jrheum.150135.