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?

What’s the Role of Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation in Lupus Development?

A strong association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been known since the 1970s. Although the etiology of SLE is not fully established, multiple genetic factors and polymorphisms in genes involved in the immune system have been implicated, with environmental factors also contributing to the development of this complex condition…. [Read More]

Duke Researchers Create a Type 1, Type 2 Lupus Disease Model

A new disease model for lupus tackles issues with fatigue and other serious conditions that, although quite common among patients, get less attention because they fall outside classic symptoms associated with inflammation, a debilitating force behind systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The model features subtypes to categorize two main groups of symptoms into type 1, typically… [Read More]

A New Frailty Index Aids Lupus Assessment

A recently developed frailty index may be a valuable way to quantify vulnerability in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), according to a study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology.1 When evaluating SLE, physicians consider a patient’s disease activity, organ damage and health-related quality of life. The Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC)/ACR Damage Index (SDI)… [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]

How to Empower Lupus Patients Through Social Media & Online Resources

Social media connections, such as LupusChat and online resources from the ACR’s Lupus Initiative, are providing safe spaces and support for lupus patients during the COVID-19 pandemic…... [Read More]

Age-Related Blood Pressue Patterns in Lupus

Rheumatologists should not be falsely reassured by a normal mean blood pressure in lupus patients, according to a study from Johns Hopkins University that found age-related blood pressure patterns in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) differ from the general population and that increased diastolic blood pressure variability (BPV) is highly associated with cardiovascular events in SLE.1… [Read More]

The History of Treating Lupus with Hydroxychloroquine

Given how unexpectedly front and center hydroxychloroquine has been in discussions about the treatment of COVID-19 this year, it makes sense to look at how it became so central to the treatment of a rheumatologic condition. In 1991, an article appeared in The New England Journal of Medicine that would alter the way rheumatologists approached… [Read More]

Upper Limb Exercise May Improve Quality of Life for Lupus Patients

A recent study found SLE patients may improve their daily physical function, pain and overall quality of life by adding upper limb exercises to stable treatment regimens and routine care…... [Read More]

5 Challenges in the Treatment & Diagnosis of Lupus

A recent study published in Lupus Science & Medicine lays out five of the top barriers impeding progress in lupus diagnosis and treatment.1 The Addressing Lupus Pillars for Health Advancement project (ALPHA), led by the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA), researchers at the Tufts School of Medicine Center for the Study of Drug Development (Tufts… [Read More]