Does higher quality of care in systemic lupus erythematosus translate to better patient outcomes?

Purpose: To assess if high quality of care (QOC) in SLE results in improved outcomes of quality of life (QOL) and non-routine health care utilization (HCU).

Methods: One hundred and forty consecutive SLE patients were recruited from the Rheumatology clinic at an academic center. Data on QOC and QOL were collected along with demographics, socio-economic, and disease characteristics at baseline.

Does Higher Quality of Care in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Improve Quality of Life?

Objective: To study the association between high quality of care (QOC) and quality of life (QOL) and nonroutine health care use (HCU) in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Methods: Data were derived from 814 participants from the Lupus Outcomes Study sample. Data on sociodemographic information, disease status, medications, and health care variables were collected through annual interviews.

Ulcerative cutaneous sarcoidosis successfully treated with infliximab.

Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disorder with cutaneous involvement present in 25% of cases. We present a patient with ulcerative sarcoidosis to highlight this unusual presentation of a relatively rare cutaneous condition that was treated successfully using infliximab. The drug is effective in cutaneous sarcoidosis, but relapses can occur after discontinuation.

Pneumococcal Vaccination Among Lupus Patients: Who Are the Recipients?

Purpose: Pneumococcal vaccination (PV) is indicated for the elderly (age ≥65 years) and those with chronic disease or who are immunosuppressed. We aimed to study the rate and predictors of recommendation/receipt of 23 valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) in immunosuppressed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.

Methods: Data were obtained through self-report questionnaires and medical chart review of 150 SLE patients.

Drivers of Satisfaction With Care for Patients With Lupus.

Objective: Quality of life (QOL) and quality of care (QOC) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains poor. Satisfaction with care (SC), a QOC surrogate, correlates with health behaviors and outcomes. This study aimed to determine correlates of SC in SLE.