AB0507 Belimumab in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: outcomes in routine clinical practice

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease with a wide range of clinical manifestations. The persistence of activity of the disease and the prolonged use of corticosteroids are amongst the main predictors of accumulated organ damage in patients with SLE. Therefore, we need new strategies to induce long-lasting remission and minimise the adverse effects of standard medications. Objectives to assess the effectiveness and safety of Belimumab in actual clinical practice during the first year of treatment in patients with SLE. Methods retrospective observational study of patients treated with Belimumab. This study involves 6 hospitals in Castilla y Leon (Spain). It collects clinical and analytical data before the start of Belimumab, and 6 and 12 months after the initiation of the therapy. The data collected include the daily dose of prednisone received at different time points and the activity of the disease was classified as mild, moderate and severe based on SELENA-SLEDAI index. A reduction from baseline of 3 points on the SELENA-SLEDAI indicates meaningful symptomatic improvement. Results Among the twenty-five patients were included, with a mean age of 43.7+12.2 years, 72% were female and 96% caucasian. The average time from diagnosis of SLE to Belimumab infusion was 9.5+7.1 years; 32% were diagnosed with SLE 1 gr proteinuria/24 hour) were treated with Belimumab, allowing to reduce the steroids to a low dosis ( Conclusions Belimumab appears to be effective, reducing disease activity as measured by the SELENA-SLEDAI Index and, also, the mean dose of steroids needed, mainly after 12 months of treatment. No significant adverse effects were reported as previous studies have shown. Disclosure of Interest None declared