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An official publication of the ACR and the ARP serving rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Physical & Cognitive Function in SLE Patients

Arthritis Care & Research  |  

New research used multidomain function assessment to better understand the physical and cognitive functioning of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. The pilot study found a high prevalence of impairment in SLE patients, similar to or exceeding the prevalence seen in the general geriatric population. Patients scored lower for lower body strength and low average for cognitive flexibility and attention…

Researchers Release Proposed Lupus Criteria, & Pathogenesis Findings

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AMSTERDAM—Newly proposed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) classification criteria and new findings on SLE pathogenesis are two ways in which researchers and clinicians are getting a better grasp on the heterogeneous disease. The criteria and findings were discussed this June in a session at EULAR: the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology. ‘Paradigm Shift’ Sindhu Johnson, MD,…

A 46-Year Study Traces the Lupus Death Rate from 1968–2013

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A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine in December 2017 looked at trends in lupus mortality over a 46-year period. The researchers say they set out to close some knowledge gaps. “There [was] a knowledge gap relating to the large differences we see in death rates from one study to another, which could have…

New Study Reveals Limitations in ANA Test Kits for Lupus

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The variability in serological testing for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) is under investigation after unexpected findings were reported from clinical trials of new agents to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In “Assay Variation in the Detection of Antinuclear Antibodies in the Sera of Patients with Established SLE,” David S. Pisetsky, MD, PhD, and his colleagues demonstrate…

HCQ Debate: Should Dose Be No More Than 5 mg/kg in All SLE Patients?

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Multiple studies show that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has many benefits in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), including cardiovascular benefits, such as reducing coronary artery and thrombosis risks. HCQ can prevent disease flares, including in renal and central nervous system lupus, and is the only drug shown to prolong survival in lupus. However, guidelines released in 2016 by…

COIN Delivers Lupus Education to Primary Care Physicians

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Two of the ACR’s Collaborative Initiatives (COIN) programs share a goal: to educate non-rheumatologist providers about systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) symptoms to facilitate referrals, accurate diagnosis and therapy. Small Group Provider Sessions Launched in 2016, Small Group Provider Sessions provide lupus education while connecting frontline providers to a local rheumatologist in often underserved areas. The…

Insight into Endothelial Dysfunction in Early SLE Patients without Cardiovascular Disease

Arthritis Care & Research  |  

The early identification of endothelial dysfunction may be useful in clinical practice to prevent SLE patients from developing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. New research evaluated the use of peripheral arterial tonometry in assessing endothelial dysfunction in patients with early SLE and no cardiovascular risk factors or disease. The results: These patients showed a high rate of endothelial dysfunction and vascular stiffness…