A Multisite, Observational Study to Examine the Effects of Childhood-Onset SLE on Cognitive Functions Over Time, using the pedANAM Tool for Cognitive and Behavioral Assessments

Principal Investigator: Andrea Knight, MD, MSCE 

Co-Principal Investigators: Ekemini Ogbu, MD, MSc, FAAP   

Funded by: Department of Defense 

Study Goals: To determine the longitudinal outcome of Neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) and the trajectories of cognitive functions in pediatric SLE patients. To compare the longitudinal outcomes of children without NPSLE, including disease activity damage index, medication adherence and quality of life. 

Description: Participants from the CARRA registry with a diagnosis of SLE will be invited to join this study.  Participants will complete computer-based survey (pedANAM) each year, for up to five years. 

Impact: This study is being done to find out how pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE) affects thinking abilities and cognitive functions over time. Through this study, we hope to learn about the long-term effects of lupus on cognition.