Evidence-based treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus and its complications
Hodkinson, B.; Makda, M.A.
South African Medical Journal 105(12): 1075
2015
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 26933720 Document Number: 684787
Outcomes for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have improved during the last two decades as our understanding of the disease expands. In particular, the importance of antimalarial therapy for addressing and preventing a host of complications in SLE has emerged. Furthermore, evidence is mounting that corticosteroids, while offering excellent control of disease activity, are responsible for many of the late complications of SLE and need to be prescribed in modest doses for the shortest time possible. To achieve this, an understanding of the available 'steroid-sparing' immunosuppressants is useful. Specific attention needs to be paid to the two most important complications of SLE, i.e. infections and atherosclerotic cardiovascular events. Awareness of, screening for and aggressive management of risk factors for these comorbidities are paramount.