Prolonged remission in SLE is possible by using reduced doses of prednisone: An observational study from the Lupus-Cruces and Lupus-Bordeaux inception cohorts

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the frequency of remission, according to DORIS definitions, of inception patients from two European SLE cohorts, with a special focus on the differences between the therapeutic schemes of both Units.

Methods: Inception patients enrolled after 2000 from the longitudinal Cruces Lupus Cohort (CC) and Bordeaux Lupus Cohort (BC) were included. The main endpoint was the achievement of clinical remission on treatment (ClinROnT). ClinROnT was assessed yearly from the 1st until the 5th year following the diagnosis of SLE.

Results: 173 patients, 92 CC and 81 BC, were studied. The clinical presentation of both cohorts was similar, with no significant differences in the mean SLEDAI score at diagnosis (6.6 vs. 8.1, p = 0.06). Patients from CC were treated more frequently with hydroxychloroquine (mean 57 vs. 43 months), methotrexate (24% vs. 11%) and pulse methyl-prednisolone (42% vs. 26%), and received lower doses of oral prednisone (average dose during the follow up 2.3 vs. 7.2 mg/d, p < 0.001). Patients in CC were more likely to achieve ClinROnT at year one, 84% vs. 43% (p < 0.001). Prolonged ClinROnT during the 5 years of follow up was more frequent in CC: 70% vs. 28%, p < 0.001. Patients in CC were also more likely to achieve ClinROnT after controlling for baseline SLEDAI (adjusted HR 1.69, 95%CI 1.21-2.35) and for the presenting clinical manifestations (adjusted HR 1.72, 95% CI 1.2-2.4).

Conclusion: Prolonged ClinROnT was achievable by using a therapeutic regime consisting of lower doses of oral prednisone and maximizing the use of hydroxychloroquine, pulse methyl-prednisolone and methotrexate.

Keywords: Activity; Antimalarials; Damage; Glucocorticoids; Prognosis.