Researchers Identify Alternative Treatment Target in Early Lupus

In a new study, achieving Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) within 6 months of treatment initiation was associated with less early damage among patients with recently diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

“Although clinical remission is recommended as the primary treatment target in SLE, LLDAS represents a valid alternative in the early stage of SLE management,” the researchers wrote.

IF YOU LIKE THIS, READ MORE...

Quality of Care for Patients With SLE Varies Widely Across the United States

Adults With SLE Are At Higher Risk for Stroke, Myocardial Infarction

The study included 116 patients with a new diagnosis of SLE. The researchers compared attaining and maintaining LLDAS with attaining clinical remission for early damage prevention. The study focused on 2 timepoints: 6 months after treatment initiation (T1) and after 18 months of follow-up (T2).

At both T1 and T2, LLDAS achievement was significantly higher than clinical remission achievement among patients. LLDAS was achieved by 42.2% of patients at T1 and by 46.6% of patients at T2, while clinical remission was achieved by 21.6% of patients at T1 and by 31.9% of patients at T2, according to the study. 

Patients who achieved LLDAS at T1 and maintained it through T2 had significantly less damage than those who did not maintain it through T2, who achieved it after T1, or who never achieved LLDAS. 

Achievement of clinical remission and LLDAS at T1 were independently linked with lower accrual of early damage in multivariate analysis.

“LLDAS and clinical remission maintenance should be targeted to prevent damage,” the researchers concluded.

—Jolynn Tumolo

Reference:

Floris A, Piga M, Perra D, et al. Treatment target in newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus: the association of Lupus Low Disease Activity State and remission with lower accrual of early damage. Arthritis Care Res. 2020;72(12):1794-1799. doi:10.1002/acr.24086