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Hasegawa Y, Arinuma Y, Asakura H, Shindo R, Ino K, Kanayama Y, Tanaka T, Matsueda Y, Wada T, Oku K, Yamaoka K. Real-world efficacy of belimumab in achieving remission or low-disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus: A retrospective study. Mod Rheumatol 2024; 34:732-740. [PMID: 37522622 DOI: 10.1093/mr/road078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated the effect of belimumab (BEL) on achieving low disease activity (LDA) and remission as an additive molecular-targeting agent to standard of care (SoC) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS Clinical information was retrospectively collected from patients with SLE who received BEL additive to SoC (BEL + SoC), and from patients treated with SoC alone as a control arm. Disease activity was measured by SLE-disease activity score (SLE-DAS). The proportion of patients in LDA and remission at 12 months was compared after propensity score matching. The factors contributing to LDA and remission achievement were identified by Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS BEL + SoC significantly reduced SLE-DAS at 6 months, with a significantly higher proportion of patients achieving LDA and remission at 12 months compared to SoC alone. The presence of arthritis at baseline was significantly associated with achieving LDA and remission. Additionally, both treatment groups experienced a significant reduction in daily glucocorticoid dose. CONCLUSIONS Adding BEL to SoC was beneficial for patients with arthritis, leading to higher proportion of achieving LDA and remission, while also reducing their glucocorticoid dose. Our results indicate the utility of BEL in a treat-to-target approach for SLE patients in a real-world setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Hasegawa
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Arinuma
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hirotomo Asakura
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Risa Shindo
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kazuma Ino
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoshiro Kanayama
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tomoki Tanaka
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yu Matsueda
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiko Wada
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kenji Oku
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Yamaoka
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
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Jesus D, Henriques C, Matos A, Doria A, Inês LS. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Score Remission and Low Disease Activity States Discriminate Drug From Placebo and Better Health-Related Quality of Life. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2024; 76:788-795. [PMID: 38258369 DOI: 10.1002/acr.25305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our objective was to evaluate the ability of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Score (SLE-DAS) remission and low disease activity (LDA) to discriminate active drug from placebo and to discriminate outcomes in the patients' perspective (health-related quality of life [HR-QoL]) in SLE trials. METHODS This was a post hoc analysis of the pooled Belimumab in Subjects With SLE (BLISS)-52 (NCT00424476) and BLISS-76 (NCT00410384) trials data. SLE-DAS remission and LDA attainment and discrimination between belimumab and placebo at 52 weeks were compared using chi-square tests. At week 52, 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue (FACIT-F) scores were compared between patients attaining SLE-DAS remission versus nonremission and SLE-DAS LDA versus non-LDA using the t-test and Mann-Whitney test. Mean changes from week 0 to 52 in SF-36 and FACIT-F scores were compared between groups using multivariate regression analysis adjusted for baseline scores. RESULTS At week 52, significantly more patients attained SLE-DAS LDA taking belimumab 1 mg/kg (17.9% vs 13.0%; P = 0.023; odds ratio [OR] 1.459; relative risk [RR] 1.377; number needed to treat [NNT] 20.4) and 10 mg/kg (21.7% vs 13.0%; P < 0.001; OR 1.853; RR 1.668; NNT 11.5) compared with placebo. Likewise, more patients attained SLE-DAS remission taking belimumab 10 mg/kg compared to placebo (14.7% vs 10.1%; P = 0.019; OR 1.532; RR 1.454; NNT 21.7). At week 52, patients attaining SLE-DAS remission and LDA presented higher SF-36 domain and summary scores (all P < 0.001) and FACIT-F scores (both P < 0.001). Mean improvements from baseline in SF-36 and FACIT-F scores were significantly higher in patients achieving SLE-DAS remission and LDA. CONCLUSION SLE-DAS remission and LDA showed discriminant ability for identifying patients receiving active drug in SLE clinical trials. Attainment of these SLE-DAS targets are associated with better HR-QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Jesus
- Centro Hospitalar de Leiria, Leiria, Portugal, and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhá, Portugal
| | - Carla Henriques
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Viseu, Portugal, and Centre for Mathematics, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Matos
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, and Research Centre in Digital Services (CISeD), Viseu, Portugal
| | | | - Luís S Inês
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhá, Portugal, and CHUC Lupus Clinic, Centro Hospitalar e Universit_ario de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Saraiva L, Cunha RN, Jesus D, Gatto M, Zen M, Iaccarino L, da Silva JAP, Doria A, Inês LS. The SLE-DAS provides an accurate and feasible flare tool in the clinical setting: a validation study. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:1123-1129. [PMID: 37458482 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the criterion validity of the SLE disease activity score (SLE-DAS) flare tool and compare its performance in identifying flares against other instruments. METHODS Patients with SLE fulfilling SLE-DAS low disease activity at baseline were included from two academic lupus clinics. During follow-up, flares were identified by the senior attending clinician, applying the expert-consensus-based definition as gold-standard. The first clinical flare from flaring patients, and the first visit after baseline in patients without flares were analysed. In each no flare/flare visits, we assessed flares by SLE-DAS (score increase ≥1.72), classic-SELENA Flare Index (c-SELENA FI), revised-SELENA FI (r-SELENA FI), and SLEDAI-2K (score increase ≥4). We estimated the sensitivity, specificity, and Cohen's Kappa agreement of each flare tool against the gold-standard. RESULTS A total of 442 patients were included and followed-up for 22.9 (14.2) months. Incidence of flares was 8.19/100 patient-years, with 69 patients experiencing flares. The SLE-DAS identified 96.6% of the expert-defined flares implying a treatment change and classified 28.0% of those as moderate/severe. Sensitivity and specificity for the gold-standard flare definition were: SLE-DAS 97.1% and 97.3%, c-SELENA FI 88.4% and 98.1%, r-SELENA FI 88.4% and 96.8%, SLEDAI-2K 56.5% and 99.2%, respectively. Kappa coefficients of these instruments were 0.902 (95% CI: 0.847, 0.957), 0.870 (95% CI: 0.805, 0.935), 0.832 (95% CI: 0.761, 0.903), and 0.663 (95% CI: 0.557, 0.769), respectively. The number of flare misclassifications was lowest with the SLE-DAS, and highest with the SLEDAI-2K. CONCLUSION The SLE-DAS accurately identifies and categorizes flares as mild or moderate/severe. It is feasible and, thus, may help the physicians' treatment decisions in the clinical practice setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Saraiva
- Rheumatology Department, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rita N Cunha
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar do Tâmega e Sousa, Penafiel, Portugal
| | - Diogo Jesus
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Leiria, Leiria, Portugal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Mariele Gatto
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Margherita Zen
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Iaccarino
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - José A P da Silva
- Rheumatology Department, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research-ICBR, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Andrea Doria
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luís Sousa Inês
- Rheumatology Department, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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Esteves AC, Mendes B, Assunção H, Inês LS. Combination treatment with rituximab and belimumab in shrinking lung syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus. Int J Rheum Dis 2024; 27:e15110. [PMID: 38450994 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.15110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana C Esteves
- Rheumatology Department, Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Mendes
- Rheumatology Department, Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Helena Assunção
- Rheumatology Department, Unidade Local de Saúde de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Rheumatology Department, Unidade Local de Saúde do Nordeste, Bragança, Portugal
| | - Luís S Inês
- Rheumatology Department, Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- School of Health Sciences, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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Salvato M, Doria A. Controversies in in rheumatology and autoimmunity: Is CORA meeting a good educational tool to increase the scientific knowledge? Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103419. [PMID: 37633352 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatology and Autoimmunity are closely related fields and are among the most exciting areas in Medicine. Many conditions once regarded as mysterious and incurable are better understood and managed nowadays. Part of the great interest in these subjects derives from the fact that many controversial issues have arisen due to the rapid progression of knowledge, which means they are debatable. Over the years, the Controversies in Rheumatology and Autoimmunity (CORA) meetings promoted critical discussions not as an end but as a tool to increase the scientific knowledge of Rheumatologists and Clinical Immunologists. Beyond pursuing knowledge, being critical means questioning our inveterate beliefs and evaluating new conjectures and hypotheses. Thus, the approach to the debates in Medicine should be done with an open mind and free from all prejudices. Freedom of thought and speech are the fundamental values of our University, as exemplified by the motto "Universa Universis Patavine Libertas" which means "Padua freedom is universal for everyone". Patavine libertas initially referred to freedom from political and religious power but also freedom in research and teaching. For these reasons, Galileo Galilei moved to Padua in 1592, where he spent the most prosperous years of his life before being accused of heresy by the catholic church. We aim for the CORA congress to be an open-minded forum where active participation and exchange of ideas are promoted without prejudice. This special Issue of Autoimmunity Reviews is devoted to some controversies debated during the 7th CORA conference held in Turin, Italy, on March 16-18, 2023. Here we will discuss controversial entities, the use of old and new drugs, and insights into the classification, assessment of disease activity, and management of rheumatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Salvato
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Doria
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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Inês LS, Fredi M, Jesus D, Shumilova A, Franceschini F, Vital EM. What is the best instrument to measure disease activity in SLE? - SLE-DAS vs Easy BILAG. Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103428. [PMID: 37634675 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous condition making assessment of disease activity challenging. However, thorough assessment is essential to evaluate patients longitudinally, to guide therapeutic decisions, and for clinical trials. Currently, the most popular disease activity index in clinical practice and trials is SLEDAI-2K. Its main advantage is ease of use, but significant weaknesses of SLEDAI-2K are omission of several serious manifestations, inability to capture change within an organ system, and fixed severity weightings that are often inappropriate. Recently several groups have developing improved tools. We report here the debate held at CORA meeting on this issue. SLE-DAS includes 17 weighted clinical and laboratory parameters including continuous measures in 4 items with an online calculator. A higher sensitivity to change compared to SLEDAI-2K has been demonstrated in its validation studies. Easy BILAG is an improved format of the BILAG-2004 that retains its content but greatly simplified. Its scoring using a single-page form that incorporates concise definitions for key terms next to clinical items. Easy-BILAG demonstrates higher accuracy and less variability and increased and better user feedback compared to the standard BILAG-2004 format. Both the indices discussed at CORA showed an advantage in measuring disease activity compared to SLEDAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Sousa Inês
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; CHUC Lupus Clinic, Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Micaela Fredi
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit and Clinical and Experimental Science Department ASST Spedali Civili and University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Diogo Jesus
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Leiria, Leiria, Portugal
| | - Anastasiia Shumilova
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Franco Franceschini
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit and Clinical and Experimental Science Department ASST Spedali Civili and University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Edward M Vital
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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Onishi A, Tsuji H, Takase Y, Nakakubo Y, Iwasaki T, Kozuki T, Yoshida T, Shirakashi M, Onizawa H, Hiwa R, Kitagori K, Akizuki S, Nakashima R, Yoshifuji H, Tanaka M, Morinobu A. Comparisons of SLE-DAS and SLEDAI-2K and classification of disease activity based on the SLE-DAS with reference to patient-reported outcomes. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:3909-3915. [PMID: 36943365 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although the SLE Disease Activity Score (SLE-DAS) and its definitions to classify disease activity have been recently developed to overcome the drawbacks of the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K), the performance of the SLE-DAS for patient-reported outcomes (PROs) has not been fully examined. We aimed to compare SLE-DAS with SLEDAI-2K and validate the classifications of disease activity based on SLE-DAS in terms of PROs. METHODS We assessed generic quality of life (QoL) using the Medical Outcome Survey 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), disease-specific QoL using the lupus patient-reported outcome tool (LupusPRO), burden of symptoms using the SLE Symptom Checklist (SSC), patient global assessment (PtGA) and physician global assessment (PhGA). RESULTS Of the 335 patients with SLE, the magnitudes of the mean absolute error, root mean square error, Akaike information criterion, and Bayesian information criterion were comparable for most PROs between the SLE-DAS and SLEDAI-2K. In contrast, SLEDAI-2K had a higher predictive value for health-related QoL of LupusPRO and PtGA than SLE-DAS. Low disease activity, Boolean and index-based remission and categories of disease activity (remission, mild and moderate/severe activity) were significantly associated with health-related QoL in LupusPRO, SSC and PhGA, but not SF-36 or PtGA. CONCLUSION No clear differences were identified in the use of the SLE-DAS over the SLEDAI-2K in assessing PROs in patients with SLE. The classification of disease activity based on the SLE-DAS was validated against several PROs. SLE-DAS and its categories of disease activity effectively explain some of the PROs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Onishi
- Department of Advanced Medicine for Rheumatic diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hideaki Tsuji
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yudai Takase
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuto Nakakubo
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takeshi Iwasaki
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Kozuki
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tsuneyasu Yoshida
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mirei Shirakashi
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hideo Onizawa
- Department of Advanced Medicine for Rheumatic diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Hiwa
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koji Kitagori
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shuji Akizuki
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ran Nakashima
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hajime Yoshifuji
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masao Tanaka
- Department of Advanced Medicine for Rheumatic diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akio Morinobu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Cruciani C, Zen M, Gatto M, Morand E, Doria A. Assessment of disease activity and damage in SLE: Are we there yet? Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2023; 37:101896. [PMID: 38044231 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2023.101896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by a great heterogenicity in course and clinical manifestations. Although prognosis improved in the last decades of the 20th century, mortality remains higher than in the general population and uncontrolled disease activity and therapy-related adverse effects have been identified as major contributors to damage accrual and poor outcomes. Assessment of disease activity and damage in SLE represents a great challenge even to the expert rheumatologist. Global disease activity indices are tools developed to assess activity across multiple organ systems. Several disease activity indices have been developed over the years, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, and knowing them is essential for understanding research studies, such as clinical trials, in which they are used. Organ-specific activity indices have been developed concurrently to represent organ involvement such as glomerulonephritis, cutaneous and musculoskeletal lupus manifestations. Regarding damage, the SLICC/ACR damage index has proven to be an effective tool for damage accrual assessment, yet not devoid of drawbacks. This review provides an overview of the most frequently utilized indices developed for the assessment of activity and damage in SLE highlighting their pros and cons when applied to the research and clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Cruciani
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, University of Padova, Padova, Veneto, Italy.
| | - Margherita Zen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, University of Padova, Padova, Veneto, Italy.
| | - Mariele Gatto
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin and Turin Mauriziano Hospital, Turin, Italy.
| | - Eric Morand
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash University, Rheumatology Unit, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Andrea Doria
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, University of Padova, Padova, Veneto, Italy.
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Koo M, Lu MC. Performance of a New Instrument for the Measurement of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity: The SLE-DAS. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:2097. [PMID: 38138199 PMCID: PMC10744780 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59122097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organ systems and manifests in a relapsing-remitting pattern. Consequently, it is paramount for rheumatologists to assess disease activity, identify flare-ups, and establish treatment goals for patients with SLE. In 2019, the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Score (SLE-DAS) was introduced as a novel tool for measuring disease activity. This tool refines the parameters of the established SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) to enhance the assessment process. This review aims to provide an introduction to the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Score (SLE-DAS) and summarizes research on its development, its comparison with existing disease activity measures, and its performance in clinical settings. Literature searches on PubMed using the keyword "SLE-DAS" were conducted, covering publications from March 2019 to September 2023. Studies that compared SLE-DAS with other SLE disease activity measurement tools were reviewed. Findings indicated that SLE-DAS consistently performs on par with, and sometimes better than, traditional measures in assessing clinically meaningful changes, patient improvement, disease activity, health-related quality of life, hospitalization rates, and disease flare-ups. The association between SLE-DAS and mortality rates among patients with SLE, however, remains to be further explored. Although SLE-DAS is a promising and potentially effective tool for measuring SLE disease activity, additional research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and broaden its clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm Koo
- Department of Nursing, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien 970302, Taiwan;
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Ming-Chi Lu
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chiayi 622401, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970374, Taiwan
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Cunha RN, Saraiva L, Jesus D, Doria A, da Silva JP, Inês LS. Predictors of flare in SLE patients fulfilling lupus low disease activity state: a cohort study of 292 patients with 36-month follow-up. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:3627-3635. [PMID: 36847423 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The treatment target in SLE should be maintained stable by preventing flares. The objectives were to identify predictors of flare in patients attaining lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS), and to assess whether remission with no glucocorticoids is associated with lower risk of flares. METHODS This was a cohort study of SLE patients followed in a referral centre over 3 years. Baseline was the first visit where each patient attained LLDAS. Flares up to 36 months' follow-up were identified by three instruments: revised Safety of Estrogen in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment (SELENA) Flare Index (r-SFI), SLEDAI-2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and SLE Disease Activity Score (SLE-DAS). Demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters at baseline were evaluated as predictors of flare, with distinct models for each flare instrument, using survival analysis with univariate followed by multivariate Cox regression. Hazard ratios (HR) were determined with 95% CI. RESULTS A total of 292 patients fulfilling LLDAS were included. Over follow-up, 28.4%, 24.7% and 13.4% of the patients developed one or more flare, according to r-SFI, SLE-DAS and SLEDAI-2K definitions, respectively. After multivariate analysis, the predictors of SLE-DAS flares were presence of anti-U1-ribonucleoprotein (anti-U1RNP) (HR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.30, 3.59), SLE-DAS score at baseline (HR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.04, 1.54) and immunosuppressants (HR = 2.43, 95% CI 1.43, 4.09). These predictors were equally significant for r-SFI and SLEDAI-2K flares. Remitted patients with no glucocorticoids presented a lower risk of SLE-DAS flares (HR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.37, 0.98). CONCLUSION In patients with LLDAS, anti-U1RNP, disease activity scored by SLE-DAS and SLE requiring maintenance immunosuppressants predict higher risk of flare. Remission with no glucocorticoids is associated with lower risk of flares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita N Cunha
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar do Baixo Vouga, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Liliana Saraiva
- Rheumatology Department, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diogo Jesus
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Leiria, Leiria, Portugal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Andrea Doria
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - José P da Silva
- Rheumatology Department, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research-ICBR, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís S Inês
- Rheumatology Department, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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11
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Aringer M, Leuchten N. [Assessment tools for systemic lupus erythematosus]. Z Rheumatol 2023:10.1007/s00393-023-01359-w. [PMID: 37188996 DOI: 10.1007/s00393-023-01359-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
A systematic assessment is critical for taking advantage of the current options for optimizing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) management. Without regular SLE activity measurements, treat to target and remission are empty words, and the EULAR recommendations therefore insist on these assessments. They rely on activity scores, such as SLEDAI, ECLAM and BILAG or more recently, EasyBILAG and SLE-DAS. Assessment is completed by organ-specific measurement methods and the evaluation of damage. In the study setting the classification criteria and combined endpoints for clinical testing are crucial, as is measurement of the quality of life. This review article provides an overview of the current state of SLE assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Aringer
- Bereich Rheumatologie, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III und UniversitätsCentrum für Autoimmun- und Rheumatische Erkrankungen (UCARE), Universitätsklinikum und medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Deutschland.
| | - Nicolai Leuchten
- Bereich Rheumatologie, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III und UniversitätsCentrum für Autoimmun- und Rheumatische Erkrankungen (UCARE), Universitätsklinikum und medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Deutschland
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12
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Buie J, Bloch L, Morand EF, van Vollenhoven RF, Werth VP, Touma Z, Lipsky P, Kalunian K, Askanase AD, Ines L, Reed C, Son M, Franson T, Costenbader K, Schanberg LE. Meeting report: the ALPHA project: a stakeholder meeting on lupus clinical trial outcome measures and the patient perspective. Lupus Sci Med 2023; 10:e000901. [PMID: 37537705 PMCID: PMC9930541 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2023-000901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Drug development in lupus has improved over the past 10 years but still lags behind that of other rheumatic disease areas. Assessment of prospective lupus therapies in clinical trials has proved challenging for reasons that are multifactorial including the heterogeneity of the disease, study design limitations and a lack of validated biomarkers which greatly impacts regulatory decision-making. Moreover, most composite outcome measures currently used in trials do not include patient-reported outcomes. Given these factors, the Addressing Lupus Pillars for Health Advancement Global Advisory Committee members who serve on the drug development team identified an opportunity to convene a meeting to facilitate information sharing on completed and existing outcome measure development efforts. This meeting report highlights information presented during the meeting as well as a discussion on how the lupus community may work together with regulatory agencies to simplify and standardise outcome measures to accelerate development of lupus therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Buie
- Research, Lupus Foundation of America, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Lauren Bloch
- Health Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Faegre Drinker Biddle and Reath LLP Washington, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Eric F Morand
- Rheumatology, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ronald F van Vollenhoven
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center ARC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Victoria P Werth
- Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Zahi Touma
- Division of Rheumatology, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Lipsky
- RILITE Research Institute, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Anca D Askanase
- Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - L Ines
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Univ Beira Interior, Covilha, Portugal
- Rheumatology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitario de Coimbra EPE, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - MaryBeth Son
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Karen Costenbader
- Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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13
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Banjari M, Touma Z, Gladman DD. Improving measures of disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2023; 19:193-202. [PMID: 36503376 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2156339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem disease with varied manifestations and course. Variation in presentation among patients, and within the same patient, there may be varied manifestations over time. It has been difficult to measure the extent of disease activity accurately. Several investigators and groups have developed definitions of disease activity and methods to measure it. Consequently, there are currently several instruments to measure disease activity as well as damage in patients with SLE. AREAS COVERED This review covers currently available evidence on measures of disease activity in SLE. It discusses potential avenues for further development of new measures and the refinement of existing tools to improve disease activity measures in research and clinical care settings. EXPERT OPINION Given the complexity and heterogeneity of the disease, further work and tools are needed to assess disease activity better. Organ-specific measures for cutaneous, renal, and joint manifestations are needed for a detailed assessment of disease activity in conjunction with the use of disease generic tools (e.g. SLEDAI). New tools such as the SLE Disease Activity Index-Glucocorticoid Index (SLEDAI-2 KG) incorporating glucocorticoid doses to describe disease activity, SLE-DAS and SLEDAI-2 K RI-50 to record partial improvements could also be helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maher Banjari
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Toronto, Lupus Clinic, Centre for Prognosis Studies in The Rheumatic Diseases, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Internal Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zahi Touma
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Toronto, Lupus Clinic, Centre for Prognosis Studies in The Rheumatic Diseases, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Dvisiion of Rheumatology, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dafna D Gladman
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Toronto, Lupus Clinic, Centre for Prognosis Studies in The Rheumatic Diseases, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Dvisiion of Rheumatology, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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14
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Zen M, Gatto M, Doria A. Defining the targets in SLE management: insights and unmet gaps. Ann Rheum Dis 2022; 81:1483-1485. [PMID: 36008131 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2022-222991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Zen
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Mariele Gatto
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Doria
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
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