Lupus

Secondary Sjögren’s syndrome affects approximately one-quarter of all patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, and the frequency increases with age, according to data published in the Journal of Rheumatology.

During 2014 to 2015, nearly one-third of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in a Michigan-based cohort used prescription opioids, with about two-thirds of those users doing so for more than 1 year, according to data published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Researchers discovered differences in clinical support and patient education among women of childbearing age with chronic rheumatic diseases in Asia-Pacific and Europe, from a study presented at European League Against Rheumatism.

SAN DIEGO — While encouraging patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus to use adequate sun protection, rheumatologists should be treating disease flares with more potent steroids then tapering off once other therapies are in progress, according to a presentation at the 2019 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology West.

SAN DIEGO — Although “lupus headache” remains a disease-related entity in the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index, debate persists over the lack of a detailed definition for this type of headache and whether it represents a neuropsychiatric symptom of lupus, according to a presentation at the 2019 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology West.

Patients with lupus should avoid combined oral contraceptive pills and tetracycline-class medications for acne, whereas isotretinoin and spironolactone may be considered safe treatment options, according to a systematic review.

SAN DIEGO — The 2016 recommendations by the American Academy of Ophthalmology on “proper” dosage of hydroxychloroquine lacked essential input from rheumatologists who rely on the drug to improve survival in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, according to a presentation at the 2019 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology West.

The FDA has granted Gazyva breakthrough therapy designation for the treatment of adult patients with lupus nephritis, according to a Genentech press release.

Infusion reaction rates to rituximab may be more significant among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus than other diseases, according to findings published in BMC Rheumatology.

Although depression and stress are both predictors of fatigue among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus at 1 year, stress is the “primary driver,” and reductions in stress are associated with a clinically meaningful decrease in fatigue, according to findings published in Arthritis Care & Research.