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.

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

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]

The Complexity of SLE Drug Research

PHILADELPHIA—On Saturday, Nov. 12, at ACR Convergence 2022, Joan T. Merrill, MD, director of clinical projects in the Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Program at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation in Oklahoma City, gave a presentation on the future of drug development and treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). She described how an in-depth understanding of… [Read More]

Clinical Rheumatology Year in Review—2022

In this overview of clinical updates in rheumatology in the last year, high-impact studies were discussed, including the GLORIA, ORAL Surveillance and MIRROR trials.... [Read More]

Phase 2 Trial Results for Sjögren’s Syndrome & SLE Presented in 2nd Plenary Session at ACR Convergence 2022

PHILADELPHIA—At the second Plenary Session of ACR Convergence on Sunday, Nov. 13, speakers shared compelling efficacy and safety results from two phase 2 trials: remibrutinib for Sjögren’s syndrome and deucravacitinib for moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus. Remibrutinib in Phase 2 Sjögren’s Syndrome Trial Thomas Dörner, MD, a professor of rheumatology and clinical immunology for… [Read More]

Case Report: Lupus Nephritis or a Mimic?

Syphilis, an ancient disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum, has been historically referred to as the great mimicker given its heterogenous presentation. Both systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and syphilis can have multi-systemic involvement. Both parvovirus B19 and syphilis have been reported to cause histologic features similar to those seen in lupus nephritis. We present… [Read More]

3 AC&R Study Summaries: MoCA Screening in SLE, Pediatric Social Disadvantages & Surgical Weight Loss Interventions

MoCA as a Screening Test in SLE Assessing the utility of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) By Oshrat E. Tayer-Shifman, MD, Kimberley Yuen, BSc, MD, & Zahi Touma, MD, PhD, FACP, FACR Why was this study done? Cognitive impairment is a common manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with a prevalence of 40% based on… [Read More]

Belimumab Promising for Children with Lupus Nephritis

Belimumab is now FDA approved to treat children aged 5 years and older with active lupus nephritis, providing treatment options for pediatric patients at risk of developing renal damage.... [Read More]

What’s New in SLE: Pathogenesis & Novel Therapies

Thomas Dörner, MD, reviewed the current state of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) management, providing updates on novel therapies and insights into the pathogenesis of SLE. ... [Read More]

Dermatologist, Rheumatologist Discuss Refractory Cutaneous Lupus Case

As a dermatologist/internist with a career-long subspecialty interest in the cutaneous manifestations of the rheumatic diseases, I found the case of refractory acute cutaneous lupus by Samantha C. Shapiro, MD, in the June 2022 issue of The Rheumatologist intriguing in several ways, and I felt my perspectives on this case might provide additional educational value… [Read More]

Clinical Challenges in SLE: Glucocorticoids—How Much Is Too Much?

Glucocorticoids remain a prominent part of care for many patients with SLE but can have toxic side effects; this EULAR 2022 session discussed one institution’s approach to lower the dosage.... [Read More]