Evaluation of the prevalence of hippocampal atrophy and factors associated in childhood - onset systemic lupus erythematosus

Author(s)

Renata Barbosa

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Campinas, SP.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Faculdade de Ciências Médicas
• Defense date: 2014-11-07

Examining board members

Simone Appenzeller; Marcondes Cavalcante Franca Junior; Cláudia Saad Magalhães

• Advisor: Simone Appenzeller

Abstract

Our aimed was to determine the prevalence of hippocampal atrophy in childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) using manual magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumetric measurements and to evaluate the possible relationship between hippocampal atrophy and associated factors. All patients with four or more classification criteria for SLE, followed at the Pediatric Rheumatology Unit with diagnosis up to 18 years old was included. A clinical analysis and neurological evaluation was analyzed according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria. Laboratory and treatment features were obtained through a review of clinical records. We observed that the hippocampal volumes of our patients were significantly smaller when compared hippocampal volumes to our controls (p <0.001). Hippocampal atrophy was identified in 25 patients (34.72%) and 1 (1.38%) control at the right hippocampus atrophy. Hippocampal sclerosis was present in 1 (4%) and increased signal in 13 (52%) patients. In relation to drug treatment in cSLE hippocampal atrophy was associated with the use of corticosteroids (p=0.008), mycophenolate mofetil (p=0.012), cyclosporine (p=0.018) e cyclophosphamide (p=0.037).The age of onset (p= 0.038) and cumulative damage (p= 0.040) were also associated. However the analysis of laboratory features, only lupus anticoagulant (p=0.017) and decreased complement (p=0.018) were associated. Hippocampal sclerosis showed relation with pulse methylprednisolone at disease onset (p=0.023), cyclophosphamide (p = 0.023) and cognitive function perceptual organization, planning and praxis (p <0.001). Increased signal showed association with hippocampal atrophy (p=0.024), right hippocampal volume (p=0.024), left hippocampal volume (p = 0.007). However presence of increased signal in the left hippocampus was associated with total corticosteroid dose (p=0.034). Considering cognitive domains, spatial reasoning showed inverse correlation with left hippocampal volume (p = 0.041, r = -0.281). Visografica memory showed a direct correlation with the right hippocampal volume (p= 0.042, r = 0.281). Processing speed is associated with hippocampal atrophy (p = 0.026). Temporal reasoning demonstrated an association with right hippocampal atrophy (p = 0.015), bilateral atrophy (p = 0.012) and inverse correlation with right hippocampal volume (p=0.008, r= -0.359) and left hippocampal volume (p = 0.003, r = -0.400). Hippocampal atrophy is prevalent in cSLE. The age of onset of disease, drug treatment and antiphospholipid antibodies are associated (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/08026-6 - Prevalence and clinical significance of hippocampal atrophy Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Grantee: Renata Barbosa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master