Characteristics of Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Currently on Remission, with Active Disease but not Experiencing Flare, and those Experiencing Flares in Clinical Practices in Europe

Siva Narayanan

Volume : V, Issue : IV, April - 2016

Characteristics of Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Currently on Remission, with Active Disease but not Experiencing Flare, and those Experiencing Flares in Clinical Practices in Europe

Siva Narayanan

Abstract :

Assessing the characteristics of patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) currently on Remission (Group–1), currently with active disease but not experiencing a flare (Group–2) and those who are experiencing flares (Group–3) could help portray SLE burden. A multi–center chart review of adult SLE patients was conducted among rheumatologists/internal medicine physicians in UK/France/Germany/Italy/Spain (EU5) to collect data on disease characteristics and treatment patterns. 747 SLE patient charts were abstracted; 25.7%/56.2%/18.1% were Groups 1/2/3 respectively; 23.4%/32.1%/55.6% in Groups 1/2/3 respectively had >=1 hospitalization in past 12mo. Patients with serum hypocomplementemia and impairment to perform every–day activities, work/keep employment or interact with family/friends were higher among Groups 3/2 and they had higher SELENA–SLEDAI score vs. Group 1. Clinical and humanistic burden varied based on patient disease status, with highest burden observed among those experiencing flares. Appropriate interventions aimed at decreasing disease activity and flares could prove beneficial to alleviate SLE disease burden.