Real-Life Experience with Belimumab in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Control of Disease Activity and Flares in a Multicenter Cohort

This multicenter observational study in Greece evaluated the real-life efficacy of belimumab in 56 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, predominantly women, with a mean age of 46.3 years. Over a median follow-up of 9.1 months, significant reductions in disease activity (SLEDAI-2K), physician global assessment, and daily prednisone dose were observed, particularly in serologically active patients. For those with at least 12 months of follow-up, the flare rate significantly decreased. Belimumab was discontinued by 10 patients due to inefficacy and by 5 due to planned pregnancy, with no discontinuations due to side effects. The study concluded that belimumab effectively controlled SLE disease activity and allowed for glucocorticoid tapering, especially in serologically active patients.