Development of a digital toolkit to improve quality of life of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: The purpose of this manuscript is to detail development and initial usability testing of an e-toolkit designed to provide skills and knowledge around self-management behaviors for individuals living with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Methods: Researchers worked with a steering committee of patients and providers to (1) develop a clickable prototype of an e-toolkit and (2) conduct alpha (individuals not affiliated with an academic clinic as patient or provider) and beta (individual patients with systemic lupus erythematosus as well as members of the clinic healthcare team and individuals who work in patient advocacy organizations) usability testing through semistructured interviews.

Results: During the review of the e-toolkit, the feedback provided by participants in both alpha and beta groups centered on two overarching themes: (1) improving user interface and materials and (2) integration of information and supports between toolkit and clinical personnel.

Cognitive dysfunction among people with systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with reduced participation in daily life.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the distribution of cognitive function in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by objective and self-report measures and associations between cognition and participation among people with SLE.

Methods: Fifty-five volunteers with SLE (age: 39.7 ± 12.

Coronavirus disease 2019: investigational therapies in the prevention and treatment of hyperinflammation.

: The mortality of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is frequently driven by an injurious immune response characterized by the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), endotheliitis, coagulopathy, and multi-organ failure. This spectrum of hyperinflammation in COVID-19 is commonly referred to as cytokine storm syndrome (CSS). : Medline and Google Scholar were searched up until 15th of August 2020 for relevant literature.

The complement system in COVID-19: friend and foe?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in a global pandemic and a disruptive health crisis. COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality have been attributed to an exaggerated immune response. The role of complement activation and its contribution to illness severity is being increasingly recognized.

B cell-derived IL-4 acts on podocytes to induce proteinuria and foot process effacement.

The efficacy of B cell depletion therapies in diseases such as nephrotic syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis suggests a broader role in B cells in human disease than previously recognized. In some of these diseases, such as the minimal change disease subtype of nephrotic syndrome, pathogenic antibodies and immune complexes are not involved. We hypothesized that B cells, activated in the kidney, might produce cytokines capable of directly inducing cell injury and proteinuria.