Clinical response trajectories and drug persistence in systemic lupus erythematosus patients on belimumab treatment: A real-life, multicentre observational study.

Objective: To obtain real-world data on outcomes of belimumab treatment and respective prognostic factors in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods: Observational study of 188 active SLE patients (median disease duration 6.2 years, two previous immunosuppressive/biological agents) treated with belimumab, who were monitored for SLEDAI-2K, Physician Global Assessment (PGA), LLDAS (lupus low disease activity state), remission (DORIS/Padua definitions), SELENA-SLEDAI Flare Index, SLICC/ACR damage index and treatment discontinuations.

Spontaneous Chalk-Stick Fracture in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Case Report.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory disease affecting mainly the sacroiliac joints and the spine. In long-standing disease, the fused spine of AS patients is susceptible to spinal fractures, even after low impact trauma. We present a 61-year-old man with long-standing AS who presented with anterior and posterior longitudinal ligament rupture and T12 and L1 vertebral endplates fractures (a so called "chalk-stick fracture") without reporting any prior trauma and discuss relevant issues.

Pulmonary fibrosis and microscopic polyangiitis in a 75-year-old woman.

We present a case of a 75-year-old woman who admitted in the internal medicine department for a recent onset of persisting moderate daily fever and fatigue that started 30 days prior to her hospitalization. Her past medical history is remarkable for mild pulmonary fibrosis, megaloblastic anaemia, and hypergammaglobulinaemia of no obvious causes. On presentation, she was febrile (38°C) and had high ESR and CRP levels, but most of her laboratory tests were within normal levels and had no signs of arthritis or rash.

Low disease activity-irrespective of serologic status at baseline-associated with reduction of corticosteroid dose and number of flares in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus treated with belimumab: A real-life observational study.

Background: Low disease activity is a validated target of current systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of belimumab to achieve low disease activity states in real-life settings.

Methods: Multicentre prospective observational study of consecutive SLE patients receiving belimumab for at least 3 months, due to active disease refractory to at least one conventional immunosuppressant.