Patient-reported flare frequency is associated with diminished quality of life and family role functioning in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Purpose: To understand the influence of the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-related flares on patient's health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods: An online survey included individuals with self-reported physician's diagnosis of SLE or lupus nephritis (LN). Lupus impact tracker (LIT) assessed lupus symptoms and HRQoL, SLE-Family questionnaire measured family role functioning, and Healthy Days Core Module (HDCM) measured overall mental and physical health.

Patient-Reported Lupus Flare Symptoms Are Associated with Worsened Patient Outcomes and Increased Economic Burden.

Background: Lupus flares significantly contribute to health resource utilization and hospitalizations. Identification of flare activity may be hindered since validated assessment scales are rarely used in clinical practice and flare severity may fall below clinician-assessed thresholds. Therefore, patient-reported outcomes of lupus flare frequency are important assessment tools for lupus management.