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Treat to target in systemic lupus erythematosus: a commentary

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Abstract

Treat to target (T2T) strategies have proved to be useful in several chronic disorders, including Rheumatoid Arthritis. In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), T2T strategy has been proposed in order to control disease activity, improve health-related quality of life, and reduce morbidity and mortality. Remission would be the main target, but a low disease activity state (LDAS) could be an acceptable alternative. However, due to SLE protean manifestations, the operational definitions of both remission and LDAS are still in progress. The definitions of these targets, remission and LDAS, should include a validated disease activity index, the treatments allowed, and the minimum length of time the target should be maintained. Furthermore, achieving these targets should result in better disease outcomes such as reducing damage accrual. This review addresses the current state regarding these possible targets in SLE and the impact of achieving them in intermediate and long-term outcomes of this disease.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rheumatology Department, Hospital Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, EsSalud, Av. Grau 800. La Victoria, Lima, Lima 13, Peru

    Manuel F. Ugarte-Gil

  2. Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru

    Manuel F. Ugarte-Gil

  3. Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile

    Paula I. Burgos

  4. Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA

    Graciela S. Alarcón

  5. Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru

    Graciela S. Alarcón

Authors
  1. Manuel F. Ugarte-Gil
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  2. Paula I. Burgos
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  3. Graciela S. Alarcón
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Correspondence to Manuel F. Ugarte-Gil.

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Ugarte-Gil, M.F., Burgos, P.I. & Alarcón, G.S. Treat to target in systemic lupus erythematosus: a commentary. Clin Rheumatol 35, 1903–1907 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-016-3346-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-016-3346-2

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