Pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus: management issues in primary practice

PURPOSE: To provide nurse practitioners (NPs) with an update on pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with an emphasis on management considerations for primary care practitioners. DATA SOURCES: An extensive literature review was conducted using both Medline and CINAHL databases. Research articles reflecting the most compelling findings were included in this review. CONCLUSIONS: NPs who care for children with SLE may be able to prevent or delay the morbidities associated with this disease and its treatments, if they keep abreast of the new information evolving in this realm of rheumatologic diseases. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: As more is learned about pediatric SLE, better treatments have evolved such that the survival rates have increased. The primary care of pediatric SLE patients that is focused on preventing or delaying SLE morbidities may help to restore, maintain, or improve the quality of life for these patients.