Frontiers in Immunology (Mar 2023)

Cyclophosphamide-induced seizures in a patient with neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE): A case report

  • Lingshu Zhang,
  • Ying Shi,
  • Jingyao Zhang,
  • Jing Wu,
  • Wei Jiang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1122629
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14

Abstract

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Seizures are life-threatening complications of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) and are often associated with poor outcomes. Cyclophosphamide immunotherapy is the mainstay of NPSLE treatment. We report the unique case of a patient with NPSLE who developed seizures soon after her first and second doses of low-dose cyclophosphamide. The exact pathophysiological mechanism underlying cyclophosphamide-induced seizures is not well understood. However, this unusual drug-associated side effect of cyclophosphamide is thought to be due to the drug’s unique pharmacology. Clinicians should be aware of this complication to make a correct diagnosis and adjust the immunosuppressive regimens very carefully.

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