International and multidisciplinary expert recommendations for the use of biologics in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Background/purpose: Despite conventional immunosuppressants, active and steroid-dependent systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) represents a therapeutic challenge. Only one biologic, belimumab, has been approved, but other biologics are sometimes used off-label. Given the lack of evidence-based data in some clinical situations encountered in real life, we developed expert recommendations for the use of biologics for SLE.

Controlling the digital ulcerative disease in systemic sclerosis is associated with improved hand function.

Objectives: Ischemic digital ulcers (DU) represent a major complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc). We investigated the impact of controlling the ulcerative disease on disability, pain, and quality of life in SSc patients receiving bosentan.

Methods: ECLIPSE (Study AC-052-517) is a 2-year prospective, multicenter, and observational study.

Ischemic digital ulcers affect hand disability and pain in systemic sclerosis.

Objective: Ischemic digital ulcers (DU) are frequent and severe complications of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The purpose of our study was to assess the effect of DU on hand disability and pain in patients with SSc.

Methods: The Evaluation of the Impact of Recurrent Ischemic DU on Hand Disability in Patients with SSc (ECLIPSE) is a prospective, multicenter, noninterventional study with a 2-year followup.