ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To study whether clinical remission (CR) and Low Lupus Disease Activity State (LLDAS) are achievable goals in childhood-onset SLE. METHODS: Data on medication use and disease activity were prospectively collected. LLDAS was defined as Safety of Estrogen in Lupus Erythematosus National Assesment-SLE disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) ≤4 with zero scores for renal, Central Nervous System (CNS), serositis, vasculitis and constitutional components, no increase in any SLEDAI component since the previous visit, PGA ≤1, and prednisone dose ≤7.5 mg/day. CR on treatment (Tx) was defined as a Physician Global Assessment <0.5, SELENA-SLEDAI=0, with prednisone ≤5 mg/day and maintenance treatment with immunosuppressives. CR off Tx was the same but without prednisone or other immunosuppressive usage. RESULTS: 51 patients (700 visits) were included. Within 3 months after diagnosis, 94.1% of children were treated with hydroxychloroquine and 60.8% with prednisone. Prednisone dosage decreased from a median of 0.74 mg/kg/day at diagnosis to 0.44 mg/kg/day at 3 months and 0.16 mg/kg/day at 6 months after diagnosis. Use of mycophenolate mofetil increased from 25.5% to 56.9% within 6 months after diagnosis. All children achieved LLDAS (median 186 days) and 72.5% remained in LLDAS >50% of time. 52.9% children achieved CR on Tx, and only 21.6% children achieved CR off Tx. CONCLUSIONS: LLDAS is an attainable treat-to-target goal in contrast to CR on and off Tx. Even more, LLDAS can be reached with limited use of corticosteroids with early introduction of immunosuppressives.