Predictive Value of Combined Serological Indicators for Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Cognitive dysfunction (CD) is a common neuropsychiatric manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but its early identification lacks objective serological markers. This study aimed to explore the predictive value of combined serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and neurofilament light chain (NfL) for CD in SLE patients.

A total of 108 SLE patients (January 2018–December 2019) and 50 healthy controls were enrolled. SLE patients were divided into CD group (MoCA score<26, n=49) and non-CD group (MoCA score ≥26, n=59). Serum IL-6, ICAM-1, and NfL levels were detected by ELISA. Logistic regression and ROC curve analyses were performed to evaluate risk factors and predictive efficacy.

Serum IL-6, ICAM-1, and NfL levels were significantly higher in SLE patients than in controls, and further elevated in the CD group. These three markers were independent risk factors for SLE-related CD. The AUC of combined detection (0.852) was significantly higher than individual markers (0.734, 0.712, 0.677).

Serum IL-6, ICAM-1, and NfL have certain predictive value for CD in SLE patients, and the combined detection of these three indicators offers higher predictive value.