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.