Comparison of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients managed early after diagnosis in specialty versus community care clinics

To compare management and outcomes of SLE patients treated in community clinics (Cc) with those treated in specialty clinic (Sc) within 10 years after SLE diagnosis. A single-center, matched cohort study design was used. We identified 54 SLE patients who were referred to a Sc from Cc within 5 years of SLE diagnosis, and 101 inception SLE patients who followed in a Sc. Patients in Cc were matched 1:2 based on gender, decade of SLE diagnosis, and age at diagnosis within 3 years with Sc patients. Disease characteristics, damage accumulation, death, cardiovascular (CVS) risk factors, and events were compared at 5 and 10 years of disease. Regression analyses taking into account the paired data were conducted. At 5 years of disease, patients referred from Cc had less cumulative ACR criteria, but more active disease. They were on higher doses of glucocorticoids (GCS) but less antimalarial treatment. At 10 years of disease and follow-up entirely in Sc, Sc patients had less disease activity. They had lower cumulative GCS doses. They had less hypertension and osteoporosis but more hypercholesterolemia than Cc patients. No statistically significant difference in damage accrual, CVS events, and death were detected. Regression analysis confirmed an association between being inception Sc patients and less active disease at 10 years. Lupus patients should be under the care of a lupus specialist early in their disease course for better control of their disease activity and to minimize use of GCS.