Effect of Belimumab on the Cutaneous Manifestations of Patients With Lupus Erythematosus

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Abstract
Background: The aim was to assess the long‐term effect of belimumab on the cutaneous manifestations of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: The retrospective analysis included 29 patients with SLE. Cutaneous disease activity was assessed using the Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (CLASI) and the Revised CLASI (RCLASI) activity scores before treatment with belimumab and at 3, 6, 12, and up to 60 months of treatment. Eleven patients were treated for the whole observation period; however, only 8 patients were evaluable at 48 months, and only 6 at 60 months due to loss of follow‐up. Results: Compared to the baseline score, a significant reduction of the CLASI and RCLASI activity score was seen during the treatment (mean CLASI baseline 8.76 ± 5.12, after 3 months 5.59 ± 3.87, p < 0.001, after 60 months 4.67 ± 3.86, p = 0.017; mean RCLASI baseline 10.93 ± 6.57, after 3 months 7.62 ± 6.03, after 60 months 5.33 ± 4.31, p = 0.012). The percentage of patients achieving a CLASI 100 response increased continuously over time, reaching a maximum of 30% after 60 months. Response was most remarkable among patients with acute or discoid cutaneous lupus. The treatment was well tolerated by the patients, with the most common adverse events being respiratory infections, headaches, and arthralgia, among others. Conclusion: This retrospective analysis demonstrated that belimumab has long‐term benefits for cutaneous manifestations of patients with lupus erythematosus. However, prospective studies in larger patient populations are needed to confirm the findings.
Funding Information
  • GlaxoSmithKline

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