New Guidelines in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Target Audience

The educational design of this activity addresses the needs of rheumatologists and other clinicians involved in the management of patients with moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Program Overview

Despite improved understanding of pathophysiologic mechanisms and available targeted biologic agents, community rheumatologists globally continue to face challenges in managing the diverse manifestations of, and patient populations with, SLE and lupus nephritis (LN). Recently, the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) published updated guidelines for the management of SLE and LN. Among other things, these guidelines stress the importance of minimizing glucocorticoid use and the role of biologics in accomplishing this task.  During this Clinical Research Updates™ activity, our expert faculty share insights into how best to incorporate these recommendations in busy clinical practices worldwide. This forward-looking CME program aims to capture expert interpretations of these recommendations, including the published evidence to support them, to help rheumatologists provide care that minimizes recurrent disease activity flares and cumulative organ damage, which is key to improving long-term outcomes.

Educational Objectives

After completing this activity, the participant should be better able to:

• Discuss recent guideline updates related to the use of biologic therapies for patients with moderate to severe SLE

• Individualize steroid-sparing treatment regimens for patients with moderate to severe SLE based on clinical manifestations and an ongoing evaluation of treatment goals

• Communicate with patients about SLE, including risks for long-term damage, therapeutic goals, and biologic treatment options