Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Resource Center

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is a chronic disease that causes systemic inflammation and affects multiple organs. Who is most at risk to develop SLE, and why? How does a person transition from healthy to active lupus? How can we help patients achieve and maintain remission? These are some of the questions explored in the articles below. Explore our collection of research reviews, case reports and clinical articles on advances in the diagnosis and management of SLE. Features are added often, so check back frequently.

Joan T. Merrill, MD, gave a presentation on the future of drug development and treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at ACR Convergence 2022. Here we present her top findings.

FEATURED ARTICLE: Neuropsychiatric Lupus in Focus

What Patients with Lupus Want You to Know

During a series of interviews with patients who have systemic lupus erythematosus, issues related to medication side effects, supplement use, depression and support groups, as well as concerns about race and activities of daily living arose. The interviews gave me a better understanding of what patients with lupus wish their physicians knew. I am grateful… [Read More]

Break the Barrier: Understanding & Treating Neuropsychiatric Lupus

Updated research on the complexities of central nervous system (CNS) lupus, as well as its diagnosis and treatment are discussed.... [Read More]

Mixed Results for Rezpegaldesleukin in Patients with Active SLE

In a clinical trial, patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) did not experience a reduction in disease activity with the addition of rezpegaldesleukin to their standard treatments. However, some patient populations did see improvements in their disease activity compared with the placebo-treated group.... [Read More]

New Study Probes Hydroxychloroquine Adherence During Pregnancy

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is nearly universally recommended for pregnant patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to reduce lupus disease activity and adverse outcomes in pregnancy.1-3 Yet despite strong evidence supporting its benefits, HCQ appears underutilized, with several studies suggesting fewer than half of all women with lupus take this medication during pregnancy.4 How accurately these results… [Read More]

2 AC&R Study Summaries: Racial Disparities in Lupus Trials & Post-Discharge Follow-Up in Lupus

Racial Disparities in Lupus Clinical Trial Participation By Saira Z. Sheikh, MD Why was this study done? Lupus disproportionately affects Black and Latino populations, particularly women in childbearing years. Clinical trials of patients with lupus can advance the development of therapeutics and access to better treatments, as well as improve health outcomes for patients. However,… [Read More]

Platelets in the Pathogenesis of SLE

In a study, El Bannoudi et al. found that platelets contribute to the pathogenesis of SLE by secreting the proinflammatory platelet-associated lectin, galactoside-binding, soluble 3 binding protein (LGALS3BP), which also represents a novel biomarker of SLE clinical activity.... [Read More]

Litifilimab Promising for Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

A study found that litifilimab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds blood dendritic cell antigen 2, may be effective for the treatment of patients with active cutaneous lupus erythematosus. The treatment successfully reduced skin disease activity in patients at 16 weeks compared with placebo. ... [Read More]

ACR Convergence 2022 Closing Session Discusses Research Highlights

PHILADELPHIA—Expert panelists gathered in the closing session at ACR Convergence 2022 to give their take on what they saw as some of the most notable research findings and other insights to come out of the meeting, touching on a number of topics on the leading edge of the field. COVID-19 Prophylaxis & Vaccinations Alfred Kim,… [Read More]

Dr. Michelle Petri: A Guiding Light for Patients with Lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects a substantial number of patients worldwide, with an estimated prevalence in North America of 241 per 100,000 people.1 The morbidity and mortality associated with the condition can be significant, and thus research on this disease continues to be of utmost importance. The story of one of the world’s leading experts… [Read More]

Rheumatology Medications with Limited Safety Data: How Do We Use Them in Pregnant Patients?

How does a rheumatologist treat a pregnant woman when many medications are not approved for pregnancy or safety data are limited?... [Read More]