Photoprotection awareness and practices among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and its association with disease activity and severity

Lupus ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 1287-1295 ◽  
Author(s):  
W D Abdul Kadir ◽  
A Jamil ◽  
S Sazliyana Shaharir ◽  
N Md Nor ◽  
A H Abdul Gafor
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Damage Index ◽  
Disease Activity Index ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sun Avoidance

Objective The objective of this paper is to determine photoprotection awareness, knowledge, practices, and its relationship with disease activity and damage in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods A cross-sectional study was performed. Data were acquired from in-person interviews and medical records. Results A total of 199 (89.6%) females and 23 (10.4%) males were recruited. Median age was 39.00 (interquartile range (IQR) 18) years, disease duration 12.12 (IQR 8) years, Fitzpatrick skin phototype III 119 (53.6%) and IV 81 (36.5%). Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2 K) was 2.95 (IQR 4) while Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SLICC-ACR DI) was 1.20 (IQR 2). The majority 205 (92.3%) were aware of sun exposure effects on SLE. Photoprotection methods were shade seeking 209 (94.1%), sun avoidance 212 (95.5%), long pants 168 (75.7%), long sleeves 155 (69.8%), sunscreen 116 (52.3%), sunglasses 114 (51.4%) and head cover 103 (46.4%). Significantly higher photoprotection practice scores (PPS) were observed in females, Malays, and individuals with higher education level and internet accessibility. PPS were not significantly correlated with SLICC-ACR DI and SLEDAI-2 K. Independent predictors for good photoprotection practice (GPP) were ethnicity (OR = 3.66, 95% CI 1.78–7.53), awareness (OR = 3.77, 95% CI 1.09–13.08) and cutaneous involvement (OR = 2.43, 95% CI 1.11–5.28). Photoprotection methods and GPP were not predictors for disease activity or damage. Conclusion Photoprotection awareness and knowledge was good. Shade seeking and sun avoidance were the common photoprotection methods practised. The use of sunscreen requires improvement. Photoprotection awareness and cutaneous manifestation were predictors for GPP. Neither photoprotection methods nor GPP were associated with disease activity or damage.

scholarly journals Measuring Disease Activity and Damage with Validated Metrics: A Systematic Review on Mortality and Damage in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (10) ◽  
pp. 1448-1461 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie O. Keeling ◽  
Ben Vandermeer ◽  
Jorge Medina ◽  
Trish Chatterley ◽  
Tatiana Nevskaya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Damage Index ◽  
Disease Activity Index ◽  
Evaluation Methodology ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Damage Accrual

Objective.To identify the effect of disease activity and damage, measured by validated indices, on mortality and damage accrual, in order to inform upcoming Canadian systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) recommendations.Methods.Following GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology to fill in evidence-to-decision tables to create recommendations for “minimal investigations needed to monitor SLE patients at baseline and subsequent visits,” a systematic literature review was performed. The effect of disease activity and damage, measured by validated metrics, on mortality and damage was systematically reviewed, with metaanalyses performed when available.Results.A title/abstract screen of 5599 articles identified 816 articles for full paper review, with 102 meeting inclusion criteria and 53 with extractable data. Thirty-three articles describing outcomes related to disease activity and 20 articles related to damage were identified. Mortality was associated with higher SLE Disease Activity Index-2000 scores in 6 studies (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.06–1.22) and higher Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/ACR Damage Index scores in 6 studies (HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.28–1.83). Higher SLE Activity Measure scores were associated with increased risk of damage in 3 studies (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.04–1.08). British Isles Lupus Assessment Group was associated with mortality in 1 study with HR of 1.15.Conclusion.Active SLE disease and damage are associated with and predict greater mortality and damage. The use of validated disease activity and damage metrics is important in the assessment of disease activity and damage and will inform upcoming Canadian recommendations for the assessment of SLE.

Abnormality in hippocampal signal intensity predicts atrophy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Lupus ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 633-639 ◽  
Author(s):  
A T Lapa ◽  
T Pedro ◽  
J Francischinelli ◽  
A C Coan ◽  
L T Lavras Costallat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Damage Index ◽  
Disease Activity Index ◽  
Hippocampal Volume ◽  
The Body ◽  
Volume Loss ◽  
Systemic Lupus

Objectives To quantify signal abnormalities in the hippocampus (Hsig) of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to determine if Hsig predict hippocampal atrophy (HA) in SLE. Methods We included all SLE patients and healthy age- and sex-matched individuals with two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans performed with a minimum of 1 year interval. All individuals underwent a standardized neuropsychological evaluation. Individual results were converted into standard scores and compared to normative data. SLE patients were additionally assessed for disease activity (SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)), damage (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI)), and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. MRI was performed on an Elscint 2 T scanner and T1 inversion recovery and T2 coronal images were used for analysis. Volumetric (HV) and signal quantification (Hsig) were determined by standardized protocols. Results We included 54 SLE patients (48 women; mean age 32.2 ± 10.56 years). Hsig were found at study entry in 15 (45.5%) patients. Hsig in the body and tail of non-atrophic hippocampi correlated with progression of volume loss during the follow-up period ( r = 0.8, p < 0.001). The presence of Hsig in the head of atrophic hippocampi correlated with progression of HA ( r = 0.73, p = 0.005) during the same period. No correlation of Hsig and disease activity or prednisone dose was observed. Conclusion HA is frequently observed in SLE patients and volume loss is progressive in a subgroup of patients. The evaluation of Hsig is an easy tool to determine patients that may have progressive hippocampal volume loss and should be followed more closely with MRI and cognitive evaluation.

Clinical and serological associations of autoantibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

2021 ◽  
pp. jim-2021-001887
Author(s):  
María Correa-Rodríguez ◽  
Gabriela Pocovi-Gerardino ◽  
Jose Luis Callejas-Rubio ◽  
Raquel Ríos-Fernández ◽  
María Martín-Amada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Damage Index ◽  
Disease Activity Index ◽  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Damage Accrual ◽  
Dsdna Antibodies

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the formation of antigen–antibody complexes which trigger an immune response. We investigate certain autoantibodies including nucleosome, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), Smith, ribonucleoprotein, and Sjögren’s syndrome-related antigens, and examine their associations with disease activity, damage accrual, and SLE-related clinical and serological manifestations in patients with SLE. We conducted a cross-sectional study with a total 293 patients (90.4% female, mean age 46.87±12.94 years) and used the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI) to evaluate disease activity and disease-related damage, respectively. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index scores were significantly higher in anti-nucleosome-positive (3.87±2.72 vs 2.52±2.76, p=0.004) and anti-dsDNA-positive (3.08±2.91 vs 2.04±2.48, p=0.010) patients compared with patients without these antibodies. SDI scores were also significantly higher in anti-nucleosome-positive patients (1.61±1.99 vs 0.89±1.06, p=0.004). The presence of antinucleosome (p=0.019) and anti-dsDNA antibodies (p=0.001) both correlated significantly with the incidence of nephritis; anti-La antibodies were associated with arthritis (p=0.022), and we also observed a relationship between the presence of antinucleosome antibodies and leukopenia (p=0.011). Patients with antinucleosome or anti-dsDNA antibodies had a higher disease activity and were likely to have nephritis. Antinucleosome was also associated with more damage accrual. A greater understanding of these autoantibodies could lead to the development of new approaches to more accurate assessments of SLE.

scholarly journals Fatores Determinantes de Morbilidade nos Doentes com Lúpus Eritematoso Sistémico

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 368
Author(s):  
Margarida Jacinto ◽  
Eliana Silva ◽  
Nuno Riso ◽  
Maria Francisca Moraes-Fontes
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Damage Index ◽  
Disease Activity Index ◽  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
American College Of Rheumatology

Introduction: Severity in systemic lupus erythematosus may vary from mild to even fatal consequences. There are no biomarkers to predict the disease’s prognosis. The Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/ Systemic Damage Index defines systemic lupus erythematosus disease severity and is found to predict prognosis.Objective: To test damage determinants in a single-centre systemic lupus erythematosus cohort.Material and Methods: Retrospectively followed systemic lupus erythematosus female patients (defined by the identification of at least four systemic lupus erythematosus American College of Rheumatology criteria – fulfillment 100%, n = 76) over the past five years. Age of onset, ethnicity, disease duration, number of American College of Rheumatology criteria at the end of follow-up, cumulative: renal, neuropsychiatric and articular phenotypes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, smoking and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2K were correlated to the presence and degree of irreversible damage (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index). Accumulation of American College of Rheumatology criteria was measured in a sub-group of patients followed from disease onset (within a year of the first symptom ascribed to systemic lupus erythematosus) (n = 39 – 51%); Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index were performed. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square, Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney tests and Spearman correlation rho (Sig. 2-tailed p < 0.05).Results: Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/Systemic Damage Index > 0 was present in 56.6% and significantly associated to a longer duration, a higher number of American College of Rheumatology criteria and a neuropsychiatric phenotype when compared with those with no damage. The final number of American College of Rheumatology criteria accrued was positively correlated to a higher disease activity over the past five years of follow-up (Spearman´s rho 0.02 and p < 0.05). There was no effect from other features.Discussion and Conclusion: Disease duration and number of American College of Rheumatology criteria predict Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/ Systemic Damage Index. neuropsychiatric disease has an impact on damage accrual.

Impact of markers of endothelial injury and hypercoagulability on systemic lupus erythematosus

Lupus ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 182-190
Author(s):  
W Batista Cicarini ◽  
R C Figueiredo Duarte ◽  
K Silvestre Ferreira ◽  
C de Mello Gomes Loures ◽  
R Vargas Consoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Disease Activity Index ◽  
Endothelial Injury ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
The Relationship

We have explored the relationship between possible hemostatic changes and clinical manifestation of the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as a function of greater or lesser disease activity according to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index-2000 (SLEDAI-2K) criteria. Endothelial injury and hypercoagulability were investigated in patients with SLE by measuring thrombomodulin (TM), D-dimer (DDi) and thrombin generation (TG) potential. A total of 90 participants were distributed into three groups: 1) women with SLE presenting with low disease activity (laSLE) (SLEDAI-2K ≤ 4), 2) women with SLE presenting with moderate to high disease activity (mhaSLE) (SLEDAI-2K > 4), and 3) a control group comprising healthy women. Levels of TM and DDi were higher both in the laSLE and mhaSLE groups compared to controls and in mhaSLE compared to the laSLE group. With respect to TG assay, lagtime and endogen thrombin potential, low concentrations of tissue factor provided the best results for discrimination among groups. Analysis of these data allow us to conclude that TM, DDi and TG are potentially useful markers for discriminating patients with very active from those with lower active disease. Higher SLE activity may cause endothelial injury, resulting in higher TG and consequently a hypercoagulability state underlying the picture of thrombosis common in this inflammatory disease.

scholarly journals Disease activity index is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Priscila B. S. Medeiros ◽  
Roberta G. Salomão ◽  
Sara R. Teixeira ◽  
Diane M. Rassi ◽  
Luciana Rodrigues ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Subclinical Atherosclerosis ◽  
Disease Activity Index ◽  
Uncontrolled Hypertension ◽  
Childhood Onset ◽  
Systemic Lupus

Abstract Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. The present study determined the prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis in childhood-onset SLE using the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurement and investigated associations between traditional and nontraditional risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as medications, SLE Disease Activity Index - SLEDAI-2 K and SLICC-ACR damage index and CIMT. Methods Cross-sectional prospective study between 2017 and 2018. CIMT was assessed by ultrasonography. Data were collected by chart review, nutritional evaluation and laboratory tests and analyzed by Fisher, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests, multiple linear and log binomial regression. Results Twenty-eight patients (mean age 13.9 years, SD 3) were enrolled. The prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis was 32% (95% CI 14.8, 49.4). The mean CIMT was 0.43 ± 0.035 mm. The most common traditional risk factors observed were dyslipidemia (82.1%), uncontrolled hypertension (14.2%), obesity (14.3%), and poor diet (78.6%). Uncontrolled hypertension (p = 0.04), proteinuria (p = 0.02), estimated glomerular filtration rate < 75 ml /min/1.73 m2 (p = 0.02) and SLEDAI-2 K > 5 (P = 0.04) were associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. SLEDAI-2 K > 5 maintained association with CIMT after adjusting for control variables. Conclusion Subclinical atherosclerosis is frequently observed in cSLE, mainly in patients with moderate to severe disease activity.

scholarly journals A Comparison of the Correlation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Score (SLE-DAS) with Health-Related Quality of Life

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 2137
Author(s):  
Ning-Sheng Lai ◽  
Ming-Chi Lu ◽  
Hsiu-Hua Chang ◽  
Hui-Chin Lo ◽  
Chia-Wen Hsu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Disease Activity Index ◽  
Information Criterion ◽  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease ◽  
Systemic Lupus

Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the correlation of a recently developed systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity score (SLE-DAS) with the SLE disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) with the Lupus Quality of Life questionnaire (LupusQoL) in Taiwanese patients with SLE. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a regional teaching hospital in Taiwan from April to August 2019. Adult patients with a clinician-confirmed diagnosis of SLE based on the 1997 American College of Rheumatology revised criteria or the 2012 Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Classification Criteria were recruited. SLE disease activity was measured with both SLEDAI-2K and SLE-DAS. Disease-specific quality of life was assessed using the LupusQoL. Results: Of the 333 patients with SLE in this study, 90.4% were female and 40% were between the ages of 20 and 39 years. The median SLEDAI-2K score was 4.00 (interquartile range [IQR] 2.00–7.50) and the median SLE-DAS score was 2.08 (IQR 1.12–8.24) in our patients with SLE. After adjusting for sex and age intervals, both SLEDAI-2k and SLE-DAS were significantly and inversely associated with all eight domains of LupusQoL. The magnitudes of the mean absolute error, root mean square error, Akaike Information Criterion, Bayesian Information Criterion, and coefficient of determination were comparable between SLEDAI-2K and SLE-DAS. Conclusions: There were no clear differences in the use of SLE-DAS over SLEDAI-2K in assessing HRQoL in patients with SLE. We suggest that, in this aspect, both SLEDAI-2K and SLE-DAS are effective tools for measuring disease activity in patients with SLE.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 Responder Index-50 Enhances the Ability of SLE Responder Index to Identify Responders in Clinical Trials

2011 ◽  
Vol 38 (11) ◽  
pp. 2395-2399 ◽  
Author(s):  
ZAHI TOUMA ◽  
DAFNA D. GLADMAN ◽  
DOMINIQUE IBAÑEZ ◽  
SHAHRZAD TAGHAVI-ZADEH ◽  
MURRAY B. UROWITZ
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Disease Activity Index ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Original Definition ◽  
Definition Of

Objective.To evaluate the performance of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Responder Index (SRI) when the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) is substituted with SLEDAI-2K Responder Index-50 (SRI-50), a valid and reliable index of disease activity improvement. Also, to determine whether the SRI-50 will enhance the ability of SRI in detecting responders.Methods.Our study was conducted on patients who attended the Lupus Clinic from September 2009 to September 2010. SLEDAI-2K, SRI-50, the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group measure, and the Physician’s Global Assessment were determined initially and at followup. SRI was determined at the followup visit according to its original definition using the SLEDAI-2K score and by substituting SLEDAI-2K with SRI-50.Results.A total of 117 patients with SLEDAI-2K ≥ 4 at baseline were studied. Patients had 1 followup visit over a 3-month period. Twenty-nine percent of patients met the original definition of SRI and 35% of patients met the definition of SRI when SLEDAI-2K was substituted with SRI-50. The use of SRI-50 allowed determination of significant improvement in 7 additional patients. This improvement could not be discerned with the use of SLEDAI-2K as a component of SRI. At followup visits that showed improvement, SRI-50 scores decreased to a greater extent than SLEDAI-2K scores (p < 0.0001).Conclusion.SRI-50 enhances the ability of SRI to identify patients with clinically important improvement in disease activity. SRI-50 was superior to SLEDAI-2K in detecting partial clinical improvement, ≥ 50%, between visits. These properties of the SRI-50 enable it to be used as an independent outcome measure of improvement or as a component of SRI in clinical trials.

scholarly journals SAT0232 PERCEPTION OF THE DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH EARLY SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1059.3-1059
Author(s):  
M. Garabajiu ◽  
L. Mazur-Nicorici ◽  
T. Rotaru ◽  
V. Salaru ◽  
S. B. Victoria ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Damage Index ◽  
Organ Damage ◽  
Systemic Lupus

Background:Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease with a major impact on patient’s quality of life.Objectives:To evaluate patient’s attitude toward early disease and factors that influence it.Methods:Performed case-control study included SLE patients that fulfilled SLICC, 2012 classification criteria. The research included two groups of patients: early SLE – 1stgroup (disease duration ≤24 months) and non-early SLE – 2ndgroup control (disease duration >24 months). The pattern of the disease activity was assessed by patient global assessment (PGA), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM), for SLE activity, SLICC/ACR Damage Index (DI) for disease irreversible changes and SF-8 for the Quality of Life (QoL).Results:A total of 101 SLE patients with 34 in the 1stgroup (early SLE) and 67 in the 2ndgroup (non-early SLE) was analyzed. The disease activity showed high disease activity in both groups by SLEDAI (7,02±4,16 and 6,26±4,43 points, p>0,05) and SLAM (7,47±4,40 and 7,31±4,10 points, p>0,05) such as (46,97±19,39 vs 47,98±22,41 points). The QoL was appreciated as low, by both components (mental and physical), in groups. The damage index was higher in the 2nd group (0,23±0,43 and 1,07±1,29, p<0,001), which can be explained by the development of irreversible changes with the increase of disease duration.The PGA in early SLE was influenced by subjective symptoms contained in SLAM index (r=0,48, p<0,05), such as fatigue and depression, and the level of the quality of life (r=0,65, p<0,001). Meantime, PGA in patients with longer disease duration (>2 years), was influenced by the presence of organ damage by SLICC/ACR DI (0,23, p<0,05) and objective findings of the disease activity contained in SLEDAI (r=0,33, p<0,005) and SLAM (0,44, p<0,001).Conclusion:The disease recognition in patients with early SLE was determined by subjective and psycho-emotional signs, while in patients with longer disease duration it was influenced by organ damage and complications.References:no referencesDisclosure of Interests:None declared

Optimal Frequency of Visits for Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus to Measure Disease Activity Over Time

2010 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
DOMINIQUE IBAÑEZ ◽  
DAFNA D. GLADMAN ◽  
ZAHI TOUMA ◽  
MANDANA NIKPOUR ◽  
MURRAY B. UROWITZ
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Disease Activity Index ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Measure Disease Activity ◽  
Lupus Disease Activity

Objective.Adjusted mean Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI; AMS) measures lupus disease activity over time. Our aim was to determine optimal visit frequency for calculating AMS.Methods.Patients followed monthly for 12 consecutive visits were included. AMS was calculated using all of the SLEDAI 2000 (AMSGOLD using all 12 visits), only quarterly visits (AMS3, using visits 3 months apart), semiannual visits (AMS6, using first, middle, and last visits only), and annual visits (AMS12, using only the first and last visits). Comparisons of AMS3, AMS6, and AMS12 with AMSGOLD are made using descriptive statistics.Results.Seventy-eight patients were included (92% women, mean age at SLE diagnosis 30.1 yrs and at study start 46.2 yrs). The mean (SD) AMSGOLD for the entire year was 2.05 (1.66), for AMS3 1.99 (1.65), for AMS6 2.12 (1.87), and for AMS12 2.08 (1.83). Mean (SD) of the absolute differences with AMSGOLD: for AMS3 0.29 (0.33), for AMS6 0.45 (0.59), and for AMS12 0.61 (0.58). Differences that were < 0.5 were considered minimal while those ≥ 1 were deemed important. Comparing AMSGOLD to AMS3, 82% of the differences were minimal and 3% were important. When comparing to AMS6, 68% were minimal and 10% were important, while comparing to AMS12, 50% were minimal and 21% were important.Conclusion.Usual clinic visits occurring quarterly offer a good estimation of disease activity over a 1-year period and are preferred over semiannual and annual visits.

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