Top in rheumatology: Steroid dosing for lupus nephritis; Benlysta decreases lupus flares
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A systemic review and meta-analysis revealed that higher initial glucocorticoid doses improved lupus nephritis treatment response but increased risks for serious infections and mortality.
“This study is relevant for clinical practice because it showed the trade-offs of treating lupus nephritis with glucocorticoids when used with mycophenolate mofetil or cyclophosphamide — the standard of care,” study co-author Ali A. Duarte-Garcia, MD, of the Mayo Clinic, told Healio.
It was the top story in rheumatology last week.
In another top story, data showed that treatment of both early and established systemic lupus erythematosus with Benlysta (belimumab; GlaxoSmithKline) resulted in fewer flares compared with placebo, especially among patients with no baseline organ damage.
Read these and more top stories in rheumatology below:
Higher steroid dose improves lupus nephritis renal outcomes, raises mortality risk
Patients with lupus nephritis who receive higher initial doses of glucocorticoids demonstrate improved renal outcomes, albeit with increased serious infection and mortality risks, according to data published in Arthritis & Rheumatology. Read more.
‘Very important’: Belimumab decreases lupus flare vs placebo in early, established disease
Treatment with belimumab resulted in fewer flares in patients with either early or established systemic lupus erythematosus, especially among those with no baseline organ damage, according to data presented at the EULAR 2024 Congress. Read more.
Deucravacitinib ‘very likely’ best small molecule for systemic lupus erythematosus
Deucravacitinib is “very likely to be the best” targeted small-molecule drug for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus, according to data published in Arthritis Research & Therapy. Read more.
Lab results, symptom tracking top list of key metrics among rheumatology patients
The ability to view laboratory results, track symptoms and sharing them with a provider were rated as the most useful potential app functions by patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, according to data. Read more.
FDA approves Kevzara for polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis
The FDA has approved the interleukin-6 inhibitor Kevzara for the treatment of polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, according to a press release from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi. Read more.