Lupus
Belimumab plus standard therapy superior to standard therapy alone for lupus nephritis
A 2-year randomized controlled trial has found that belimumab plus standard therapy is superior to standard therapy alone in patients with lupus nephritis, according to data published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Problems remain in lupus clinical trial design
When it comes to studying treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus, issues such as clinical trial design and patient selection still loom large, according to a speaker at the 2020 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology-East.
Clinicians must 'quiet' rheumatic disease activity before pregnancy for optimal outcomes
It is essential that rheumatologists aim for “low” or “quiescent” disease activity several months before conception in their patients who desire to become pregnant, according to a presenter at the 2020 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology-East.
Race, gender factor heavily in ‘many levels’ of lupus phenotypes
Understanding the intersections of race, gender and molecular factors is critical to understanding lupus disease phenotypes, according to a presenter at the 2020 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology-East.
Young patients with newly-diagnosed SLE report low immunosuppressant use in first year
Prescription immunosuppressant use is low during the first year of care among young patients with newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus, while hydroxychloroquine use is prevalent, although not universal, researchers report.
Patients with lupus more likely to skip doses, delay filling prescriptions due to cost
Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus are more likely than those in the general population to skip doses, take less medicine and delay filling prescriptions due to cost, according to data published in Arthritis Care & Research.
Self-management for lupus, lupus nephritis demands patient communication, accountability
With many patients avoiding in-office visits due to COVID-19 concerns, self-management in lupus is more important than ever, according to a presenter at the 2020 Rheumatology Nurses Society Annual Conference.
Smoking may drive risk for lupus progression among ANA-positive women
Higher Blymphocyte stimulator and low interleukin-10 levels among cigarette smokers, particularly women who are positive for antinuclear antibodies, are associated with an increased risk for systemic lupus erythematosus, researchers noted.
Asian patients hospitalized with lupus at 79% higher mortality risk than whites
Despite advances in care, Asian patients hospitalized for systemic lupus erythematosus are at a 79% greater risk for death than white patients hospitalized with the same disease, according to data published in Arthritis Care & Research.
Practical advice for rheumatologists managing dermatologic manifestations of lupus
Understanding the myriad cutaneous manifestations of conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus will aid rheumatologists in providing better care for their patients, according to a presenter at the 2020 Interdisciplinary Autoimmune Summit.