What is it about?
We compared immune mediators in lupus patients with stable disease activity vs. patients within three months of a mild/moderate or severe clinical disease flare. Immune mediators altered prior to imminent flare were used to inform a flare risk index.
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Why is it important?
There is currently no predictor of imminent clinical disease flare in lupus patients. That immune mediators were altered prior to changes in clinical disease activity allowed for the design of a flare risk index. This molecularly-informed proactive management tool could be critical in prospective clinical trials and the clinical management of lupus. Tighter control of clinical disease activity in lupus may decrease permanent tissue and organ damage, thereby decreasing morbidity and early mortality.
Perspectives
We have known for years that immune system changes occur prior to clinical disease onset in lupus. We have now confirmed that additional immune dysregulation occurs prior to imminent clinical disease flare. The development of the Flare Risk Index has the potential to greatly impact patient care, morbidity, and mortality for lupus patients—a long term goal of mine and my colleagues.
Dr. Melissa E Munroe
Progentec Diagnostics, Inc.
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: A Flare Risk Index Informed by Select Immune Mediators in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Arthritis & Rheumatology, October 2022, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1002/art.42389.
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