Abstract
Objective
To describe clinical effectiveness of belimumab for systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE) in real-world practice in Argentina.
Methods
This retrospective, observational study analysed medical record data of
patients with SLE treated with belimumab in 15 centres in Argentina. Primary
endpoint: overall clinical response (assessed on a scale similar to the
6-point Physician Global Assessment) at months 6, 12, 18 and 24, all versus
index (belimumab initiation). Secondary endpoints: improvement in disease
activity (SELENA-SLEDAI), SLE manifestations, and corticosteroid dose
change.
Results
Records for 81 patients (91% female) were analysed. Clinical improvements
were reported for 95%, 95%, 98% and 100% patients at 6, 12, 18, and
24 months post index, respectively. Mean SELENA-SLEDAI score decreased from
11.21 at index to 4.76, 3.77, 3.86 and 2.17 at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post
index, respectively. Number of flares decreased from 1.05 at index to 0.21,
0.09, 0.22 and 0.30 at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post index, respectively.
Mean corticosteroid dose was 14.59 mg/day at index, and 6.45, 5.18, 5.17 and
4.78 mg/day at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post index, respectively.
Conclusions
Real-world patients with SLE treated with belimumab in Argentina demonstrated
clinical improvements and reductions in corticosteroid dose.
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