A new study may lead to new treatments for lupus as it has found that, when impaired, a key regulator of the immune system can cause damaging immune system attacks on skin and organs, which are hallmarks of the disease.
Positive Phase III Trial Results for Potential Lupus Nephritis Treatment
More than half of males with lupus report feeling depressed, receive little support.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City launched the nationwide survey to assess the needs of male patients and found that 58% reported feeling depressed for several days or more than half the days in the previous two weeks. Regarding support and coping, 52% reported that they received no support. More than 80% of respondents indicated that lupus limited their activities of daily living, mostly due to pain and fatigue.
High Doses of Hydroxychloroquine May Protect Against Thrombosis in SLE
Higher prescribed doses of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) may be associated with lower odds of thrombotic events in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), according to study results presented at the 2019 The American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Professionals (ACR/ARP) Annual Meeting, held November 8 to 13, 2019, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Lupus patients are 3 times more likely to use opioids to control pain
Study Finds Blood Levels of Plaquenil may be Important Indicator of Eye Disease Risk
Role of gut microbiota studied in pregnant women with lupus
A new study shows that pregnancy and breastfeeding could change the way the body reacts to conventional lupus treatment in women due to imbalances in the gut bacterial community, or dysbiosis. The research was undertaken to understand the higher risk of severe flares and help women with lupus experience healthy pregnancies and successful outcomes, by improving therapeutic approaches.
Researchers Identify Genetic Marker for Lupus in African American Women
A new study published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology finds there may be a genetic explanation for the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in African American women.
The study, published on August 20, points to epigenetic changes near interferon-regulated genes early in B cell development. These changes are a “hallmark” of SLE development in African American women, the authors wrote.
“We have identified an aberrant epigenetic signature that developed early in B cell development in African American patients. This observation is consistent with recently published work which identified a SLE-specific epigenetic signature present in the resting naïve B cell stage that persists throughout development in a cohort of Africa American females,” wrote the authors who were led by Devin Absher, Ph.D., of the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Alabama.
New study shows statins ineffective at fighting cardiovascular disease in Lupus patients
Epstein-Barr virus may be a possible trigger for the development of lupus
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) scientists have discovered that the Epstein-Barr virus may be a possible trigger for the development of lupus in at-risk individuals.
Scientists have long known lupus has a strong genetic component, but there also must be environmental triggers to activate the disease.
Cognitive and Psychiatric Issues Linked to Autoantibodies in Brain Unique to Lupus Patients, study finds
Autoantibodies targeting certain regulatory RNAs — molecules that serve as the template for protein production — in the brains of lupus patients are unique to these people and involved in neuropsychiatric symptoms of the disease, a study reports.
The study, “Neuronal BC RNA transport impairments caused by systemic lupus erythematosus autoantibodies,” was published in the Journal of Neuroscience.
Benlysta Found to Effectively Change B-cell Levels
In a new study, researchers looked at whether treatments targeting B-cell activating factor (BAFF) have an impact on human B-cells, as previous studies have suggested. B-cells are responsible for creating antibodies, including autoantibodies, and are thought to play a role in the development and progression of autoimmune diseases.
Abnormal Blood Pressure Patterns May Predict Cardiovascular Disease in Juvenile-onset SLE
Researchers identify key mechanism linked to neuropsychiatric lupus
A breakthrough study by a SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University research team has identified a specific antibody target implicated in neuropsychiatric symptoms of lupus. These symptoms, including cognitive impairment, mood disorders, seizures, headaches and psychosis, are among the most prevalent manifestations of the disease and occur in as many as 80% of adults and 95% of children with lupus.
Blood Clotting Proteins Discovered as Biomarkers of Lupus Nephritis
Researchers have discovered that blood clotting proteins in urine can act as biomarkers in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), especially those with lupus nephritis.
The team of researchers at the University of Houston found that blood clotting proteins, both the ones that promote blood clotting (prothrombic) and those that disperse them (thrombolytic) are elevated in the urine of patients with lupus nephritis (LN).
Minorities in US Experience More Severe SLE Symptoms, Study Says
Lupus Linked to Poor Outcomes Post-Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty
Individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who have primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) are at higher risk for implant infection, discharge to an inpatient facility, more expensive hospital bills, and increased blood transfusions than people without SLE, according to a study recently published in Lupus.
Fracture Risk is High in Lupus
In a study published in a recent issue of Arthritis & Rheumatology, investigators found that patients with lupus nephritis were far more likely to break a bone than patients who do not have lupus.
“Patients with lupus nephritis may be at particularly high risk of fracture due to secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism and vitamin D deficiency,” said study author Sara Tedeschi, M.D., MPH, a rheumatology fellow at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Study Shows Gazyva® May Offer Potential New Treatment for Lupus Nephritis
The Lupus Research Alliance shared positive topline results from a Phase 2 clinical study of a potential new treatment for proliferative lupus nephritis, the most severe form of kidney damage caused by lupus. Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, reported that at one year their drug Gazyva® (obinutuzumab) helped more patients achieve a complete response to treatment when added to standard of care with either mycophenolate mofetil or mycophenolic acid plus corticosteroids than those receiving standard of care alone.
Research Supports Measuring Blood for Hydroxychloroquine Levels
Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil®) is the most prescribed medication in the treatment of lupus and has numerous benefits including prevention of flares, prolonged survival, and other positive outcomes. Medication non-adherence is reported in up to 80% of people with lupus and is associated with reduced health outcomes.
