Research Studies
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or Lupus) is the archetypal multisystem autoimmune disease, with an estimated incidence of 5-50 cases per 100,000 people.
Patients with SLE, usually young women, suffer a loss of life expectancy, and morbidity, due to a heterogeneous range of clinical manifestations caused by autoimmune-mediated inflammation of multiple organs. The diversity of clinical features of active SLE has made quantification of disease activity problematic.
The APLC was formed in November 2012 to bring together physicians and researchers dedicated to improving the quality of care provided to patients with SLE. Given the lack of established treatment algorithms and treatment targets in lupus, the APLC has pooled resources to create the largest cohort of lupus patients ever studied. This has facilitated multiple epidemiological studies which produce robust evidence on which to base recommendations for the management of SLE.
2013-2017
LLDAS Validation Study
A multi-national, prospective study established tovalidate the Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) as a treat-to-target endpoint for SLE. We demonstrated that LLDAS attainment provides significant protection from organ damage accrual and flare in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
2018-2022
T2T -SLE Study
An extension and expansion of the LLDAS validation study to capture longer follow up and increase patient recruitment to further examine LLDAS and study remission definitions, mortality, and quality of life. We demonstrated protective effects of LLDAS and remission on mortality, the harmful effects of failing to reach treatment targets, and the low persistence of current lupus medicines
2023-2028
SLE Outcomes Study (SOS)
The next phase of the APLC's research ambitions encompasses quantifying the determinants of long-term outcomes in SLE. We will examine the interplay among multiple determinants, including co-morbidities and biopsy-proven lupus nephritis, and their contribution to long-term outcomes of SLE
