scholarly journals Body Composition in Iraqi Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 63
Author(s):  
Faiq I. Gorial ◽  
Zainab A. Mahmood ◽  
Sundus Al Obaidi
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Social Class ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Lean Mass ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Mass Percentage

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: SLE is one of systemic diseases, targeting young patients, so we try to study the one of factors that affected these patients. The aim of our study is to describe the body composition in Iraqi lupus patients, and assess the effect of the disease activity, disease duration, treatment, and patients’ social class in development of sarcopenia. PATIENTS & METHOD: Sixty women, age > 18years with SLE and 56 matched controls were studied. Disease activity measured by systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index, and functional status measured by systemic lupus erythematosus quality of life questionnaire. Body mass index, waist circumference measured for patients and controls. Body composition analyzed by dual energy absorptiometry x-ray. RESULTS: Mean age for patients was 31.75±10.06 years, and mean disease duration was 19.62±10.76 months. No differences in body mass index, central obesity, lean mass percentage, fat mass percentage, appendicular lean mass index, and bone mineral density between patients and controls. Z score was lower in lupus patients as compared with controls (-1.61±0.8 for patients, -1.26±0.71 for control, p= 0.013). Treatment with azathioprine found to decrease the risk of sarcopenia (p= 0.046). Medical social class and working social class show lower risk for sarcopenia compared to unemployed class (p= 0.003, 0.002 respectively). However disease duration, disease activity, using prednisolone, and functional status had no effect. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences in body mass index, fat mass percentage, lean mass percentage, and appendicular lean mass index in lupus patients and controls. Lupus patients have higher risk to loss their bone density.

scholarly journals AB0421 EFFECT OF BODY WEIGHT ON COMPLEMENT LEVELS IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1510.3-1510
Author(s):  
L. Kondrateva ◽  
T. Popkova ◽  
E. Nasonov ◽  
A. Lila
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
World Health ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Obesity Status ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Complement System

Background:The complement system is a recognized biomarker for diagnosis or monitoring of disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients (pts). But on the other hand, it has been linked to insulin resistance and obesity in general population.Objectives:To find out whether overweight/obesity can modify C3 or C4 levels in SLE pts.Methods:A total of 92 SLE pts (83 women, 9 men, 39 [34;47] years old) were enrolled in the study. Median disease duration was 6[2;14] years, and SLE activity using SLEDAI-2K was 4[2;8]. SLE pts were treated with glucocorticoids (89%), hydroxychloroquine (78%), immunosuppressants (28%), biologics (10%). The overweight/obesity status was determined by World Health Organization criteria in patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥25kg/m2.Results:Overweight/obesity were established in 46% SLE pts. Overweight/obese SLE pts were older than pts with normal BMI (40[36;48] vs 37[31;44] years, р=0,02), and had lower SLEDAI-2K (3[2;6] vs 6[4;8], p<0,01). Lower C3 concentrations were found in 36% overweight/obese pts vs 68% pts with normal weight (р<0,01), decreased C4 levels - in 19% vs 30% pts (p=0,33), median C3 concentrations were 0,98[0,81;1,14] g/l vs 0,84[0,69;0;96] g/l (р<0,01), and C4 levels were 0,15[0,10;0,19] g/l vs 0,12[0,09;0,16] g/l, respectively (p=0,03). C3 and C4 levels negatively correlated with SLEDAI-2K (r=-0,5, p<0,01 for both), the effect was more strongly pronounced in patients with BMI≥25kg/m2 (r=-0,6, p<0,01 for both) than in those with normal weight (r=-0,2, p=0,09 for C3, r=-0,3, p=0,04 for C4).Conclusion:Overweight/obesity status in SLE pts was associated with increased levels of complement proteins, therefore decreased C3 or C4 levels in patients with BMI≥25kg/m2 are more likely related to disease activity and, can potentially induce SLE flares.Disclosure of Interests: :None declared

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

scholarly journals The LupusQoL and Associations with Demographics and Clinical Measurements in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

2010 ◽  
Vol 37 (11) ◽  
pp. 2273-2279 ◽  
Author(s):  
KATHLEEN McELHONE ◽  
MADHURA CASTELINO ◽  
JANICE ABBOTT ◽  
IAN N. BRUCE ◽  
YASMEEN AHMAD ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Marital Status ◽  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Damage Index ◽  
Group Index ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Clinical Measurements

Objective.Having developed and validated a disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measure for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the LupusQoL, we determined its relationship to demographic and clinical measurements in a group of patients with SLE.Methods.A group of 322 outpatients completed the LupusQoL. Demographic (age, sex, marital status, ethnicity) and clinical variables (disease duration, disease activity, damage) were recorded. Associations between the 8 LupusQoL domains and age, disease duration, disease activity, and damage were explored using Spearman’s correlation coefficients. Differences in LupusQoL scores were examined for sex and marital status using the Mann-Whitney U test. Ethnic groups were compared using ANOVA.Results.All domains of LupusQoL were impaired, with fatigue (56.3) being the worst affected and body image (80.0) the least. The correlations between the LupusQoL domain scores and age (r = −0.01 to −0.22) and disease duration (r = 0 to 0.16) were absent or weak. Similarly, there were no significant differences in the LupusQoL scores regarding sex, marital status, or the 3 main ethnic groups (Black-Caribbean, Asian, White). Although there were statistically significant correlations between the scores of the LupusQoL domains and some scores of the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group index (r = −0.22 to 0.09) and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (r = −0.29 to 0.21), these were weak.Conclusion.HRQOL was impaired in this cohort of outpatients with SLE as assessed by the validated lupus-specific LupusQoL. There were no clinically important associations between the 8 domains of the LupusQoL and clinical or demographic variables in this group of patients. Thus, the LupusQoL is a relatively independent outcome measure in patients with SLE.

P4448Profile of cardiovascular involvement and its relationship with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Niari ◽  
M R Jena ◽  
M Parida ◽  
S R Tripathy ◽  
R Tripathy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Pericardial Effusion ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Troponin I ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
2D Echocardiography ◽  
Cardiovascular Involvement ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Introduction The cardiovascular system is affected in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by the disease itself, the state of chronic inflammation and also by the side effects of the treatment given. Purpose To find the burden of cardiovascular involvement in SLE, to correlate cardiovascular manifestation with SLE disease activity (SLEDAI-2K) and damage [SLICC/ACR Damage Index (SDI)]. Methods Seventy-five consecutive SLE patients fulfilling SLICC criteria, aged between 15–55 years, with disease duration of <5 years, admitted to rheumatology ward, were included. Overlap syndromes, past history of cardiac disease, end stage renal disease, chronic liver disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus were excluded. Clinical examination, fasting serum lipid profile, electrocardiogram, 2D-Echocardiography, carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and serum Troponin-I were used to assess the cardiovascular status of patients. Results In this cross-sectional study exploring cardiovascular disease burden in a cohort of SLE patients within 5 years of disease, we found the mean age of patients was 28.5±7.9 years with a male: female ratio of 1:14. Cardiovascular involvement was detected in 52% of patients. Raised systolic BP was detected in 42% and raised diastolic BP in 28% patients. ECG revealed sinus tachycardia in 32%. 2D-echocardiography revealed pericardial effusion in 14.66%, mitral valve involvement in 10.66% (7 had mitral regurgitation and one had mitral sclerosis). PAH and TR were observed in 5.33% and 6.66% of cases respectively. One case showed evidence of aortic sclerosis. Dilated cardiomyopathy was present in 2.66% of cases. In 2.66% of cases systolic dysfunction and diastolic dysfunction each was evident. No patient showed evidence of vegetations. Anti SS-A and anti nucleosome (30.7% each) were the most common antibodies found in SLE patients with cardiovascular involvement. Increased serum LDL, hypertriglyceridemia and low serum HDL was found in 29%, 47% and 51% of patients respectively. Sub clinical myocardial injury was absent in all our patients as evidenced by negative serum Troponin-I. The CIMT was within normal limits and comparable between patients with and without cardiovascular involvement. The mean SLEDAI-2K was 7.3±4.9 and mean SDI was 0.8±1.2. SLEDAI-2K and SDI were significantly higher in patients with cardiovascular involvement versus patients without cardiovascular involvement (p=0.002 and p=0.01 respectively). SLEDAI-2K and SDI vs cardiac involvement Conclusion Cardiovascular involvement is associated with high SLEDAI-2K and SDI. Presence of anti-SSA and anti-nucleosome antibodies may predispose to cardiovascular involvement. Pericardial effusion was the most common echocardiographic abnormality. Low HDL was the most common dyslipidemia. However,atherosclerosis is not evident in patients with SLE with disease duration less than 5 years.

scholarly journals No Increase in Rate and Severity of Flares During Pregnancy and Post-Partum Period in Pregnant Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. A Sex, Age and Disease Duration Matched Controlled Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Worawit Louthrenoo ◽  
Thananant Trongkamolthum ◽  
Nuntana Kasitatnon ◽  
Antika Wongthanee
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Age At Diagnosis ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Post Partum Period

Abstract Background: Flares in pregnant patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have shown conflicting results. This study aimed to determine the disease activity, and rate and severity of flares in pregnant SLE patients compared with the non-pregnant SLE controls. Methods: The medical records of pregnant patients in the SLE cohort were identified. Controls were non-pregnant female SLE patients who were matched for age at diagnosis and disease duration prior to conception. Disease activity was determined by mSLEDAI-2K. The definition and severity of flares followed the SELANA-SLEDAI Flare Index. The disease activity was measured from 6 months prior to conception (-6M) until termination of pregnancy or delivery.Results: Ninety pregnancies occurred from 77 patients, of whom 36.67% had active disease at the time of conception. The pregnancy group was slightly, but significantly, younger than the control group at diagnosis (21.63 ± 5.89 years vs. 24.05 ± 7.27 years, p = 0.015). The SLE disease activity (mSLEDAI-2K) score was comparable in both groups from -6M to the post-partum period, with that in the control group being slightly but significantly higher than that in the pregnancy group at conception (3.57 ± 4.28 vs. 1.91 ± 3.44, p = 0.003). Of the 90 pregnancies, the overall incidence of flares in both groups was similar during pregnancy (39 vs. 26, p = 0.070). There also was no difference in the incidence of flare during each trimester, with 19 vs.7 flares among 90 pregnancies (p = 0.588) in the 1st, 12 vs. 12 among 82 (p = 0.682) in the 2nd, and 6 vs. 7 among 71 (p = 0.266) in the 3rd trimester. The incidence of flare during the post-partum period also was similar (42 vs. 30 flares among 90 pregnancies, p = 0.091). There was no difference in the severity of flare in each trimester, overall flare during pregnancy or post-partum flare. Conclusions: This study found no difference in flare rate or severity of flares between pregnant SLE patients and non-pregnant SLE controls, who were matched by sex, age at diagnosis and disease duration prior to pregnancy.

Predictors of decreased bone mineral density in childhood systemic lupus erythematosus: possible role of osteoprotegerin gene polymorphisms

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Riham Eid ◽  
Maha Abdelsalam ◽  
Aya A Fathy ◽  
Dena M Abd-El Ghaffar ◽  
Eman B Elmarghany ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Mineral Density ◽  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Bone Mineral ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Gene Polymorphisms ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Osteoprotegerin Gene

Abstract Objectives This study aims to explore effects of osteoprotegerin (OPG) gene polymorphisms and other possible factors on bone mineral density (BMD) in children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Osteoprotegerin gene rs2073617 and rs3134069 were evaluated in 74 SLE patients and 100 controls then genotypes, alleles and haplotypes’ frequencies were compared between cases and controls and between patients with BMD z-scores above and below −2 evaluated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Disease activity was evaluated by SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). Results The patients aged 14.01 ± 2.6 years and included 57 (77%) females and 27 (36%) patients with BMD z-score below −2. Genotypes, alleles, and haplotypes frequencies did not differ between patients and controls (p>0.05 for all). Rs3134069 GG genotype and G allele (p=0.001, 0.002) and rs2073617 TT genotype and T allele (p=0.01, 0.006) were significantly higher in patients with BMD below −2. Cumulative glucocorticoids dose, disease duration, and SLEDAI scores were higher in patients with BMD below −2 (p=0.01, 0.01, <0.001, respectively). Regression analysis showed T allele of rs2073617, duration of illness (above 36 months), and cumulative SLEDAI (above 10) as independent predictors of decreased BMD (p 0.02, 0.003, and 0.002, respectively). Conclusions This is the first study to demonstrate OPG gene influence on BMD in children with SLE. The studied SNPs are not risk for developing SLE but, rs2073617 T allele is a possible predictor for reduced BMD in SLE. Other predictors include long disease duration and high activity supporting that osteoporosis in SLE is multifactorial.

Prolactin levels are associated with a pro-inflammatory body mass distribution among women with systemic lupus erythematosus

Lupus ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 808-814 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Elera-Fitzcarrald ◽  
M F Ugarte-Gil ◽  
R V Gamboa-Cárdenas ◽  
F Zevallos ◽  
M Medina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Bone Mineral Content ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Mass Distribution ◽  
Bone Mineral ◽  
Lean Mass ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Mineral Content ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Systemic Lupus

Objectives The objective of this study was to determine whether prolactin levels are associated with a pro-inflammatory body mass distribution in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in consecutive female SLE patients seen in our rheumatology department from January 2012 to July 2015. Prolactin was measured in ng/ml. Body mass distribution was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and it was divided into subtotal (whole body excluding the head), subtotal bone mineral content, lean mass index (appendicular lean mass/height2), subtotal trunk and leg fat percentages and trunk-to-leg fat ratio. The association between prolactin levels and body mass distribution components was evaluated by univariable and multivariable linear regression models adjusting for possible confounders. Results One hundred and eighty-five patients were evaluated; their mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 34.8 (13.8) years; nearly all patients were Mestizo. Patients included in this study were comparable to the rest of the cohort in terms of age, disease duration, SLEDAI, SDI and body mass index. Disease duration was 7.3 (6.6) years. The SLEDAI was 5.2 (4.3) and the SDI 0.9 (1.3). Prolactin levels were 18.9 (16.7) ng/ml. In univariable analyses, prolactin was negatively associated with bone mineral density, bone mineral content, leg fat percentage and lean mass index, and positively associated with trunk-to-leg fat ratio. In the multivariable analyses, prolactin was negatively associated with bone mineral content and positively associated with trunk-to-leg fat ratio. Conclusions Higher prolactin levels are associated with a pro-inflammatory body mass distribution in SLE patients.

scholarly journals Antibodies to extractable nuclear antigens (ENAS) in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: correlations with clinical manifestations and disease activity

Reumatismo ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Emad ◽  
T. Gheita ◽  
H. Darweesh ◽  
P. Klooster ◽  
R. Gamal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Age At Onset ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Clinical Aspects ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Nuclear Antigens

The aim was to explore possible correlations of antibodies to extractable nuclear antigens (ENA) with clinical manifestations and disease activity indices in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. A total of 70 consecutive SLE patients (64 females) were included. Disease activity was assessed by SLE activity index (SLEDAI), and British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG). Anti-Ro/SSA correlated positively with, headache (r=0.24, p=0.04), blurring of vision (r=0.25, p=0.03) and SLEDAI (r=0.25, p=0.04) and negatively with C3 (r=–0.35, p=0.003). Anti-Ro/SSA correlated with anti La/SSB antibodies (r=0.69, p<0.001), but not with anti-DNA, anti-RNP and anti-Sm antibodies. Anti-La/SSB antibodies correlated with headache (r=0.26, p=0.03), SLEDAI (r=0.25, p=0.03) and negatively with C3 (r=–0.34, p=0.004). Anti-La/SSB did not correlate with anti-RNP or anti-Sm antibodies. Anti-Sm antibodies correlated with disease duration (r=0.34, p=0.003), 24 hours urinary proteins (r=0.31, p=0.008), SLEDAI (r=0.31, p=0.009), BILAG renal score (r=0.29, p=0.02) and negatively with age at onset (r=–0.27, p=0.02), WBCs (r=–0.29, p=0.014) and C4 (r=–0.25, p=0.049). In multivariate analyses, anti-Ro/SSA antibodies remained associated with headache, blurring of vision and C3 and anti-La/SSB antibodies remained associated with C3 and with headache. Anti-Sm antibodies were independently associated with disease duration and total SLEDAI scores, while anti-RNP antibodies remained significantly associated with BILAG mucocutaneous scores only. Antibodies to ENAs are associated with clinical aspects of SLE and may play a role in the assessment of disease activity. Insight into these ENAs may lead to new approaches to diagnostic testing, accurate evaluation of disease activity and lead to target approach for SLE.

Mycophenolate Mofetil in Nonrenal Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: An Observational Cohort Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 552-558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Tselios ◽  
Dafna D. Gladman ◽  
Jiandong Su ◽  
Murray B. Urowitz
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Mycophenolate Mofetil ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Corticosteroid Dose ◽  
Extrarenal Manifestations

Objective.Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), along with corticosteroids, is considered as the standard of care in lupus nephritis (LN); however, little is known regarding its efficacy in extrarenal manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We aimed to determine its effectiveness in nonrenal SLE.Methods.One hundred seventy-seven patients with SLE were enrolled; 105 for whom MMF was introduced for active LN (mean age 35.6 ± 10.7 yrs, mean disease duration 8.9 ± 7.8 yrs) and 72 for extrarenal manifestations (mean age 38.6 ± 11.7 yrs, mean disease duration 11.7 ± 9.2 yrs). The main indication for MMF initiation was based on the respective SLE Disease Activity Index element that was present at that time. Patients were subdivided according to the major nonrenal manifestation. Improvement was defined as the absence of the initial clinical or laboratory manifestation after 6 and 12 months.Results.Cumulatively, the initial clinical manifestation or hematological abnormality was resolved in 42/72 nonrenal patients (58.3%) after 6 months and in 45/72 (62.5%) after 12 months. Corticosteroid dose was reduced in 44/72 patients (61.1%, p < 0.001, mean dose 18.4 ± 12.6 mg/day at baseline to 12.1 ± 9.0 mg/day after 12 mos, p < 0.05). In renal patients, 40 (38.1%) had complete resolution of the extrarenal manifestation after 6 months, while 53 (50.5%) achieved complete response after 12 months. Prednisone dose was reduced in 73/105 patients (69.5%) after 12 months (mean dose 29.2 ± 16.6 mg/day at baseline to 15.3 ± 9.7 mg/day, p < 0.001).Conclusion.MMF seems to be an efficacious alternative in refractory to standard of care nonrenal manifestations of SLE in the long term, allowing for disease activity control and significant reduction in corticosteroid dose.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document