Management of systemic lupus erythematosus: A brief update on recent advances

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has remained one of the most baffling autoimmune rheumatic diseases since it was described in the 19th century. It is a multisystemic, chronic condition that affects individuals with life-threatening irreversible end-organ damage and debilitating clinical features. The course of SLE varies from periods of quiescence to ones of exacerbation that may involve any organ system in almost any combination. In particular, SLE typically attacks young women at their childbearing years, which makes the therapeutic goals and pharmacological management challenging. The management of patients with SLE in Asia is further complicated by the facts that these patients tend to have a more severe disease, do not have ready access to medical treatment, are not able to afford expensive drugs, especially novel immunosuppressive and biologic agents, and are more susceptible to serious infective complications. In this article, we will provide a brief update on the currently available drug treatment for SLE, and recent advances in this area. The emphases are on early recognition and monitoring of disease complications and the judicious use of immunosuppressive drugs. © 2006 Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology.