A CONTROLLED-STUDY OF PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS

In 34 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 34 age- and sex-matched healthy controls we performed standardized quantifiable n eurological testing for neuropathic symptoms (Neuropathic Symptom Scor e) and deficits (Neurological Disability Score), as well as nerve cond uction velocity studies (NCV) and determination of vibration threshold s (VT). SLE patients had more neuropathic symptoms and deficits than c ontrols. Most quantitative and qualitative NCV attributes showed no di fference between patients and controls. However, if categorized as NCV abnormalities of 2 or more nerves in each individual, a frequency of polyneuropathy of 21% was seen in SLE patients compared to 6% in contr ols. VT indicated a slight, but widespread, diffuse polyneuropathy in patients compared to controls.