Achievement of Low Disease Activity in Lupus Patients Treated with Belimumab Is Independent of Serologic Status at Baseline: A Real-Life Observational Study

Belimumab was found to be effective in achieving low disease activity in over 40% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, with more than 20% able to completely discontinue glucocorticoids (GC). The study included 91 patients, predominantly women, with a mean age of 45.9 years. The treatment reduced disease activity, physician global assessment scores, and daily prednisone doses, with significant improvements observed as early as 3 months. The number of flares and severe flares decreased by 62% and 50%, respectively, in the first year. Both serologically active and inactive patients responded equally well to belimumab. However, 22% of patients discontinued treatment due to inadequate response or side effects.