Factors predictive of corticosteroid psychosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Corticosteroid-induced psychosis occurred in 5% of a prospective cohort of 92 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Psychosis was unpredictable by the routes and dosage of corticosteroid used. Factors predictive of psychosis were low serum levels of albumin, complement, and creatinine; history of anxiety disorders; and a family history of psychiatric illnesses. After multivariate adjustment, only hypoalbuminemia remained significant.