Lupus definition needs to be changed suggests international study

The definition of remission in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may need to be refined, according to an international study published in Lupus.
The research suggests that many people with lupus deemed to be in remission still have a range of debilitating symptoms.

Data came from 1,227 people including people with lupus, rheumatologists and nephrologists.

The study showed that doctors often class people as being in remission despite considerable ongoing symptoms, with many still relying on an intensive course of immunosuppressive medicines.

For example, people considered to be in remission still had an average of 2.68 current symptoms compared to 5.48 in those not in remission. The most common ongoing symptoms were joint problems, pain, fatigue, haematological issues and kidney abnormalities.

“The current analysis highlights important ongoing disease activity, symptom burden and immunosuppressive medication in European patients with SLE considered by their treating physician to be ‘in remission’,” the authors conclude.

“For a further improvement of outcome, there is an urgent need for an international consensus on the definitions for remission among patients with SLE.”

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