Continuing Medical Education
Evidence-based treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus and its complications
Abstract
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.
Authors' affiliations
Bridget Hodkinson, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Mohamed Amin Makda, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Date published: 2015-11-16
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