Effects of belimumab in Colombian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus; a prospective observational study

Abstract Introduction Belimumab, a monoclonal type Ig G1 antibody that binds and inhibits the soluble form of the Blys (B lymphocyte stimulator) has shown to be effective in the management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, its effectiveness is unknown in an ethnically variable population, such as in Colombia. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted between February 2015 and February 2016 on patients with active SLE disease despite being on standard treatment and who were treated with Belimumab. Results Belimumab showed a significant improvement in joint, cutaneous and hematological involvement, with an increase in complement levels, a decrease in lupus crises and hospital admissions. After 3 months there was lower activity, calculated by SLEDAI, with stability for 9 months. Conclusions In a real-life patient setting, it was observed that belimumab was useful in Colombian patients with SLE and refractory to standard therapy, especially in the joint, hematological, and cutaneous manifestations.