Systemic lupus erythematosus in Latin America: Outcomes and therapeutic challenges

Ugarte-Gil, Manuel F.; Alarcón, Graciela S.

doi:10.1016/j.clicom.2023.10.002

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 63 publications

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“…For example, the recently approved therapies for SLE (belimumab, anifrolumab and voclosporin) are not available in many LMICs [ 5 ]; furthermore, in the countries in which these treatments are available, they are not always covered by the health-care system, making their access almost impossible for those with a low socio-economic status. This lack of access to new treatments could result in an increase in the daily prednisone dose [ 17 ], with the subsequent risk of damage accrual. Drugs that reduce damage accrual are clearly preferred.…”

Section: Challenges In Lmicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Challenges and opportunities in access to care for systemic lupus erythematosus patients across Europe and worldwide

Mosca,

Bruce,

Andersen

et al. 2024

Rheumatology

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SLE presents significant challenges for patients and health-care professionals (HCPs), both across Europe and worldwide. Improving health-care outcomes for patients with SLE requires a comprehensive understanding of patient disease pathways. In particular, the geographical distance between SLE patients and specialized care centres, combined with the scarcity of rheumatologists, exacerbates delays in diagnosis and management. Also, the initial SLE symptoms can often be non-specific, and providing guidelines for primary HCPs and other non-specialists is extremely important. Improvement in access to treatment is also important, with several recently approved therapies for SLE not being available in several European countries and many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Furthermore, in the LMICs in which these treatments are available, they are not always covered by the health-care system, making their access almost impossible for those of lower socio-economic status. A number of provisions are already in place within the European Union, to improve access to care for patients with rare and complex diseases, including those with SLE. In particular, European Reference Networks (ERNs), such the ERN for Autoimmune Diseases ReCONNET, are virtual networks involving HCPs across Europe with the aim of improving the care of patients with rare and complex diseases that require highly specialized treatment and a concentration of knowledge and resources. In addition, lupus patient organizations such as Lupus Europe play a crucial role in raising awareness of SLE and advocating for improved access to care. Together, we can work towards a future where all people living with lupus receive the comprehensive and timely care they deserve.

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Section: Challenges In Lmicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Challenges and opportunities in access to care for systemic lupus erythematosus patients across Europe and worldwide

Mosca,

Bruce,

Andersen

et al. 2024

Rheumatology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Relationship between clinical manifestations and serological profile in patients affected by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Nicola,

Borrelli,

Corradi

et al. 2024

Front. Immunol.

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BackgroundSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by a variety of both signs and symptoms; it mainly affects women of childbearing age, with an estimated prevalence of 24/100,000 people in Europe and North America. SLE is often described as an antibodies-driven disease as its clinical manifestations are usually associated with the presence or the absence of specific antibodies.ObjectivesTo evaluate clinical manifestations in patients with SLE and to assess the relationship with the presence of specific antibodies by using real-world data.MethodsA retrospective study was performed; the 2019 EULAR/ACR Classification Criteria for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus were used to classify patients with SLE. Data concerning serological profiles (which included Antinuclear antibodies – ANA, anti dsDNA, anti-Ro/SS-A, anti-La/SS-B, anti-Smith) were gathered along with medical records of clinical manifestations. Complement levels were also tested for possible clinical correlations. χ² or Fisher’s exact tests were utilized to establish associations between autoantibodies and symptoms. The odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed. No correction was made for multiple testing; only a p-value 0.01 ≤ was considered significant.ResultsOne-hundred and twenty-seven patients (n=127, mean age 53.43 ± 14.02) were enrolled in this study. Anti-dsDNA antibodies were found to be statistically significant for both malar rash and proteinuria; anti-Ro/SSA antibodies showed an association with photosensitivity and pericarditis; furthermore, a strong association was found between anti-Ro antibodies and proteinuria, but only if anti-dsDNA antibodies were present as well. Patients who tested positive for anti-La/SSB antibodies correlated with a threefold increase in the risk of developing pericarditis. Lastly, anti-Smith appeared to be associated with NPSLE as well as an increased risk for both autoimmune hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia.ConclusionsIn our study, many associations confirmed those found in previous studies; however, new relationships between antibodies and clinical manifestations were found thus indicating the need for additional evaluations to assess these correlations further.

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Systemic lupus erythematosus in Latin America: Outcomes and therapeutic challenges

Cited by 2 publications

References 63 publications

Challenges and opportunities in access to care for systemic lupus erythematosus patients across Europe and worldwide

Challenges and opportunities in access to care for systemic lupus erythematosus patients across Europe and worldwide

Relationship between clinical manifestations and serological profile in patients affected by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

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