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

This real-life observational study assessed the efficacy of belimumab in achieving low disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Ninety-one patients, predominantly women with a mean age of 45.9 years, were treated with belimumab for a median duration of 10.5 months. The study found that belimumab significantly reduced disease activity, physician global assessment scores, and daily prednisone doses, with over 20% of patients discontinuing corticosteroids. Both serologically active and inactive patients responded similarly, with more than 40% achieving low disease activity states after 9-12 months. Additionally, the number of flares and severe flares decreased by 62% and 50%, respectively. However, 22% of patients discontinued treatment due to inadequate response or side effects.