Successful treatment of psychosis secondary to SLE with high dose intravenous immunoglobulin

A 23-year-old woman with SLE was admitted because of severe psychosis manifested by depression, delusions and the inability to perform minimal daily activities. The patient refused treatment with steroids, but was later convinced to try treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Following treatment with IVIG a marked improvement was noted in her mental status and she was discharged. During a follow-up period of 18 months she resumed normal life; she does not receive any drugs currently and no psychiatric abnormalities have been noted. It is suggested that IVIG may be considered in the treatment of lupus cerebritis, especially when serious complications develop and other treatment modalities are ineffective.