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Research / News - Prolonged remission in systemic lupus erythematosus

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Research / News - Prolonged remission in systemic lupus erythematosus

August 2005. This study was designed to measure the frequency of prolonged remission in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients registered in the Lupus Clinic database between 1970 and 1997 with visits no more than 18 months apart were identified. Prolonged remission was defined as a 5-year consecutive period of no disease activity (SLE disease activity index, SLEDAI = 0) and without treatment (corticosteroids, antimalarials, or immunosuppressants).

The study found, Seven hundred and three patients fulfilled inclusion criteria. Of the 703 patients 46 (6.5%) achieved complete remission for at least 1 year, whereas only 12 patients (1.7%) had prolonged complete remission of at least 5 years on no treatment. Although the frequency of disease manifestations was similar to the patients not in remission, the 5-year remission group was distinguished by lower overall disease activity as measured by adjusted mean SLEDAI, lower prevalence of anti-DNA antibodies, and lower use of steroids and antimalarials.

CONCLUSION: Prolonged complete remission in lupus is rare. Therefore with current therapies continued vigilance for disease recurrence is necessary.

Blogged on 6:15 PM

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