THU0290 Twelve Months Survival Rate and Causes of Withdrawal of Belimumab in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in A Real Life Setting

BackgroundSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic disease requiring long-term treatment. Even though immunosuppresive therapy has significantly improved the survival, a great percentage of SLE patients exhibit a persistently active disease or deal with disease flares during the follow-up. Belimumab (BLM), an anti-B Lymphocyte Stimulator (BLyS), is currently the only biological drug approved for the treatment of active SLE patients not responding to standard of care, without active kidney or neuropsychiatric involvement.ObjectivesAim of the study was to analyse 12 months survival of BLM treatment and causes of withdrawal in a monocentric cohort of SLE patients followed-up in a daily practice setting.MethodsThe study was proposed to all the patients who were due to start BLM. After the informed consent was obtained, demographic, clinical and serological data, indication to BLM and concomitant therapies were registered. At baseline and after 3, 6 and 12 months of follow-up, disease activity (SLE Disease Activity Index – SLADAI 2K), C3 and C4 levels, anti-dsDNA status and weekly dose of glucocorticoids were recorded. At each visit adverse events and causes of withdrawal were also evaluated. Data were expressed as mean±standard deviation; after 3, 6 and 12 months, difference in SLEDAI 2K, C3 and C4 and prednisone-equivalent dose compared to baseline were evaluated by Student t test. The treatment survival was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. P value