Top 5 Most-Read Lupus Articles of 2022

The most-read lupus articles of the year on AJMC.com explored new therapies for cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), the role of cardiovascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the impact of COVID-19 on patients with lupus, and more.

Here are the most-read lupus articles of 2022.

5. Factors Predictive of Sustained Rituximab Response in Primary Sjögren Syndrome Identified by Study

A study identified that if patients with systemic manifestations of primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) are prescribed immunosuppressant therapy and reach complete B-cell depletion in addition to repeat cycles of rituximab (Rituxan), they are inclined to improve on repeat cycles of rituximab.

According to the study, around 43% of patients had total depletion of B cells after round 1 of rituximab and had a stronger likelihood of longer-term success.

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4. New Research Elucidates Role of B Cells in SLE

Earlier in 2022, research on abnormalities of B cells in SLE identified possible new therapeutic goals and greater understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on patients. Updated technology and new data resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the findings.

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3. SLE, Cardiovascular Disease Have Complex Interplay

In mid-2022, a study reported on new biomarkers that might indicate increased risk of cardiovascular disease and possible therapies to reduce cardiovascular risk in people with SLE. Some biomarkers identified were parathormone and soluble CD163 levels.

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2. Path to Diagnosis is Long, Frustrating, Damaging for Women With SLE

This year, a study found that women with SLE experienced delays in diagnosis due to providers downplaying their symptoms. Even though treatment has improved for SLE, the ability to get a diagnosis took an average of 8 years after the start of symptoms, according to the study, resulting in one woman experiencing end-stage renal disease treated by dialysis.

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1. New Therapies on Horizon as Science of CLE Advances

Symptoms of CLE include recurrent skin lesions, flares, scarring, and more, and the disease is usually associated with SLE but can also be a singular condition, a study from the Journal of Autoimmunity says. At the time of publication, there were no FDA-approved therapies to treat CLE, but research on the disease’s mechanisms of development, such as biomarkers in the skin, offers hope for new therapies.

Read the full article.