Lupus

The Rheumatology Network lupus clinical focus page provides information on the latest lupus news, study and clinical trial findings, and clinical guideline updates. We feature expert interviews with leading physicians and investigators, articles, videos, podcasts, and breaking FDA approvals for systemic lupus erythematosus drugs.

Lupus Year in Review: 2022

December 30, 2022

Alfredo Aguirre, MD, discusses the latest data regarding lupus this year at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence 2022, trends in lupus management, and the importance of remission in lupus.

A Growing Trend Towards Incorporating Patient-Reported Outcomes in the Treatment, Management of Rheumatic Diseases

December 28, 2022

“There's a discrepancy between what patients feel like is important to them and what clinicians think is important to them, which is probably true in all of medicine,” Alfred Aguirre, MD, stated.

Self-Evidence: When Treatment Based on the Experience of Others is not Enough

December 14, 2022

Self-evidence can help rheumatic autoimmune disease patients gain control of symptoms when the standard of care fails them.

Patient Perspective: Support Program Helps Patients with Lupus Manage Their Disease, Improve QoL

December 05, 2022

"Discovering your unique triggers can feel frustrating but with the right tools and support, it is possible to find answers," Hinton-Green emphasized. "You don’t have to do it alone."

Can a Peer Education Program Improve Patient Engagement and Health Equity in Lupus Research?

December 05, 2022

Enrollment in clinical trials across all disease states, particularly in lupus, continues to be an ongoing challenge.

Maria Dall’Era, MD: Evaluating the Complexities of SRI-4 and BICLA Endpoints in SLE Trials

December 02, 2022

Dall'Era notes that it is important for rheumatologists to understand that the current endpoints for SLE clinical trials, such as SRI-4 and BICLA, are complex and imperfect.

Belimumab Provides Benefit in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus, With or Without SLE

November 13, 2022

A systematic review and meta-analysis presented at ACR Convergence 22 provide insight into the effects of belimumab in patient populations with cutaneous lupus erythematosus, with or without systemic lupus erythematosus.

Telitacicept Improves SELENA-SLEDAI Scores for SLE Patients

November 12, 2022

A significantly larger portion of patients in the telitacicept 160 mg achieved SR14 response compared to the placebo group.

Infection Reported as Leading Cause of Death in Patients with SLE

October 27, 2022

"Infections are one of the key determinants of early morbidity and mortality of patients with SLE, strongly linked to disease activity and immunosuppression."

One-Point Glucocorticoid-Free Treatment Status Associated with Absence of Chronic Damage in SLE

October 10, 2022

Preventing chronic damage accrual is one of the top treatment targets, as it is linked to increased mortality and decreased quality of life.