RHEUMATIC, AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES AND NEUROLOGICAL INVOLVEMENT: CLINICAL PERCEPTIONS AND THERAPEUTIC CONSIDERATIONS

Abstract

Autoimmune rheumatic diseases often present with complex neurological manifestations, representing a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in clinical practice. These conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis, can affect the nervous system in several ways, including peripheral neuropathies, cerebral vasculitis, and even psychiatric and cognitive manifestations. Understanding the interaction between autoimmune processes and neurological involvement is crucial for appropriate clinical management and better patient outcomes. Objective: This systematic literature review seeks to compile and analyze recent studies on autoimmune rheumatic diseases and their neurological impact, aiming to identify patterns of clinical presentation and effective therapeutic strategies. Methodology: The review was carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases were consulted for articles published in the last 10 years. The descriptors used were "autoimmune rheumatic diseases", "neurological manifestations", "diagnosis", "treatment", and "systematic review". Inclusion criteria considered original studies in English, Portuguese or Spanish, which investigated neurological manifestations in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Exclusion criteria were duplicate studies, non-systematic reviews and studies focusing exclusively on aspects unrelated to the main topic. Results: The analysis revealed that peripheral neuropathies and vasculitis are the most frequent neurological manifestations in autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Furthermore, therapeutic strategies including immunosuppressants and biological therapies have been explored for the treatment of these conditions. Conclusion: Understanding the pathogenic mechanisms and a multidisciplinary approach are essential for the adequate management of autoimmune rheumatic diseases with neurological involvement. Early identification and individualized treatment can significantly improve the quality of life and prognosis of affected patients.