Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Resource Center

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is a chronic disease that causes systemic inflammation and affects multiple organs. Is it possible to identify preclinical signs of SLE very early and intervene to prevent a patient’s transition to active disease? Who is most at risk to develop SLE, and why? How does a person transition from health to active lupus? Lupus flares vary from mild to serious. Most patients have times when the disease is active, followed by times when the disease is mostly quiet. How can we help patients achieve and maintain remission? These are some of the questions explored in sessions at ACR Convergence 2020 and that we’ve covered in the pages of The Rheumatologist in past issues.

Watch this space for Physician Editor Philip Seo, MD, MHS-selected coverage from ACR Convergence 2020, beginning with a report on the State of the Art: Lupus—the Future Is Now session, moderated by Saira Sheikh, MD. We also invite you to explore our collection of research reviews, case reports and clinical articles on advances in the diagnosis and management of SLE.

Pregnancy Complications in Patients with Lupus & APS

Pregnancy complications are common in lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), but can we predict and prevent them? The Rheumatology Research Foundation Memorial Lectureship to Honor Shaun Ruddy, MD, will review the predictors and mechanisms of pregnancy complications, as well as potential interventions for preventing pregnancy complications associated with lupus and APS. Watch for it on… [Read More]

Lupus Nephritis: New Decade, New Approaches

This session at ACR Convergence will focus on early biomarkers for diagnostic and prognostic purposes, as well as the description of current treatment guidelines from multiple societies. The speakers will discuss the role of repeated biopsy to assess response and maintenance therapy, and describe some promising new therapies under development. Watch for it on Sunday,… [Read More]

State of the Art: Lupus—the Future Is Now

Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, 10–11:00 a.m. EST: Several lupus trials this past year had positive results, bringing hope that new therapeutics may be available in the near future. This session will discuss how advances in our understanding of lupus pathogenesis have led to the development of different therapeutic strategies. Watch this page for our report… [Read More]

Familial Patterns in Childhood- & Adult-Onset SLE

A study examining familial patterns of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) found a greater decline in SLE recurrence rate by generation in childhood- than in adult-onset SLE, suggesting adult-onset SLE may be characterized by environmental risk factors.... [Read More]

The Environment Within: A Possible Link Identified Between Plasma Microbial Translocation & Autoantibody Development in 1st Degree Relatives of SLE Patients

Plasma microbial translocation, the composition of the microbiome and environmental factors may influence the development of autoantibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), according to a study comparing SLE patients with their first-degree relatives and unrelated, healthy controls.... [Read More]

Monthly Belimumab Infusions Preserve Kidney Function in Some Lupus Patients

(Reuters Health)—Intravenous belimumab combined with standard lupus therapy can help preserve kidney function in patients with active lupus nephritis and cut the odds of death or a renal-related event by half, a phase 3 multinational study has concluded.1 After two years of therapy, 43% of 224 volunteers getting the drug monthly showed a renal response… [Read More]

Can Lupus Be Prevented? Research Reveals Clues to Who’s Most Likely to Transition to Classified Disease

How does a patient transition from health to active SLE? This question is the crux of the research conducted by Judith A. James, MD, PhD, and colleagues…... [Read More]

Renal Transplant Outcomes in Patients with Lupus Nephritis

A recent study from Brazil suggests lupus nephritis patients who receive renal transplant have a high five-year survival rate. Researchers found the presence of venous thrombosis and antiphospholipid syndrome, but not viral infection, were important predictors of renal graft loss in these patients…... [Read More]

Improved Pregnancy Outcomes for Women with SLE

Recent research indicates that previous concerns about mortality associated with pregnancy in women with SLE may no longer be applicable. In the study, researchers found a significant decline in the in-hospital maternal mortality rate of women with SLE and a decrease in their length of non-delivery related hospitalization over the past two decades…... [Read More]

Multiple Interferons, Including IFNB1, May Play a Role in SLE

A recent gene expression analysis found an enriched downstream interferon signature, with predominantly IFNB1 signatures in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. The study also found lower expression of all downstream interferon signatures in the kidneys of lupus nephritis patients…... [Read More]

Lupus Pregnancy Outcomes Improved Over the Past 2 Decades

NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Pregnancy outcomes in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have improved markedly over the past two decades, although pregnancy risks remain higher than in women without lupus, according to a trends analysis. “Thirty years ago, most women with SLE were advised to avoid pregnancy because of high risks for maternal and fetal… [Read More]

Low-Density Granulocytes Activate T Cells in SLE

Recent research indicates that low-density neutrophils, such as low-density granulocytes, exert proinflammatory effects on the T cells of SLE patients. In the study, researchers confirmed SLE patients had a higher prevalence of low-density granulocytes than healthy controls and that these cells appeared to promote a Th1 response…... [Read More]

Metabolic Profiling of SLE

Research examining the metabolic profile of SLE found increased oxidative activity, as well as lower levels of tyrosine and tryptophan, in SLE patients relative to controls, suggesting increased activity of aromatic amino acid decarboxylase. The results suggest metabolomics may have the ability to measure disease severity in SLE…... [Read More]