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  • Title: Which patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in remission can withdraw low dose steroids? Results from a single inception cohort study.
    Author: Fasano S, Coscia MA, Pierro L, Ciccia F.
    Journal: Lupus; 2021 May; 30(6):991-997. PubMed ID: 33709836.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: A progressive tapering until withdrawal of glucocorticoids (GC) is considered one of the main goals of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) management. However, which patient may be a candidate for safe GC withdrawal has not been determined yet. This study aimed to evaluate the rate of low-dose GC withdrawal in SLE patients in remission and to identify predictors of flares. METHODS: Eligible patients were SLE patients in prolonged clinical remission defined by a cSLEDAI = 0 for at least 2 years and on a stable SLE treatment (including daily 5 mg prednisone). Flares were defined by SELENA-SLEDAI Flare Index. Predictors of flares after GC withdrawal were analyzed by Cox regression. RESULTS: We selected 56 patients in whom a GC withdrawal was attempted. 98 patients were in the prednisone maintenance group. The proportion of patients experiencing a flare was not significantly lower in the maintenance group than in the withdrawal group (p = 0.81). However, among the withdrawal group, the rate of flares was significantly higher in serologically active clinically quiescent (SACQ) patients (p < 0,0001). At Cox regression analysis, duration of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) therapy and ≥5 year remission at withdrawal were protective factors, while a SACQ disease and history of lupus nephritis increased the risk of disease flare. CONCLUSION: GC withdrawal is an achievable target in SLE and may be attempted in patients in complete remission.However, it might underline a caution in patients with SACQ disease who may be at greater risk forflare when GCare discontinued. HCQ therapy and durable remission can significantly reduce the risk.
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