A patient whose lupus is in remission or who is experiencing low disease activity faces less risk of experiencing additional damage or dying from their condition, an international study reports. Researchers said doctors should keep the findings in mind when treating patients. Trying to help patients achieve remission or low…
Rituxan (rituximab) could be a valid alternative to standard of care in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with neurological and psychiatric manifestations, a new Italian case report shows. The research, “Severe neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus successfully treated with rituximab: an alternative to standard of care,” was published in…
Cognitive impairment is highly prevalent in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a study from Canada finds. The research also addressed the validity of different screening tools for this difficulty in lupus, and found the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) may be more suitable that others. The study, “…
Levels of distinct immune cells, including certain monocyte subsets, are altered in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, research from China indicates. The new study, “Upregulation of CD16- monocyte subsets in systemic lupus erythematous patients,” appeared in the journal Clinical Rheumatology. The research was led…
Interferon-gamma, an endogenous regulator of immune responses, is associated with reduced cerebral volume in lupus patients, a new Brazilian study shows. The study, “Interferon-γ Is Associated with Cerebral Atrophy in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus,” appeared…
Damage to small tubes in the kidneys and the tissue that surrounds them is a strong predictor that lupus nephritis patients will develop an end-stage renal disease, a New York study indicates. The research, which appeared in the journal Seminars in Arthritis & Rheumatism, was titled “…
A European initiative called SHARE has issued new international guidelines for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). The recommendations are expected to support uniform, high-quality care for children with the disease. The study, “European evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of childhood-onset…
Low levels of red blood cells (anemia) and lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, are the most frequent hematological disorders in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), according to a new Turkish study. The study, “Detailed features of hematological involvement and medication-induced cytopenia in systemic lupus erythematosus…
Results from the Phase 2 BUTTERFLY trial conducted by Pfizer suggest that an antibody against the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) may be a promising treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The study, “Efficacy and safety of an interleukin 6 monoclonal antibody for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: a phase II…
The cytokine interleukin 17A (IL-17A), while playing a role in inflammation, may also serve a protective purpose in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, new research shows. The study, “IL-17A levels in systemic lupus erythematosus associated with inflammatory markers and lower rates of malignancy and heart damage: Evidence for…