How can I effectively monitor disease activity and treatment response in patients with SLE in a general practice setting?

Effective monitoring of disease activity and treatment response in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in general practice involves regular clinical assessment, patient education, and timely referral to specialist care.

Although the provided guidelines focus primarily on rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis, principles applicable to SLE monitoring in general practice include:

• Regular clinical review: Conduct periodic assessments to evaluate disease activity, functional status, and treatment side effects.
• Patient education: Ensure patients understand their condition, recognize signs of flares, and know when to seek specialist advice.
• Rapid access to specialist care: Provide patients with clear information on how to access specialist rheumatology services promptly during flares or if disease worsens.
• Drug monitoring: Monitor ongoing treatment effects and adverse reactions, especially for immunosuppressive or corticosteroid therapies.
• Annual comprehensive review: Assess disease activity, organ involvement, comorbidities, and psychosocial impact to guide treatment adjustments.

In practice, general practitioners should maintain close communication with rheumatology specialists to ensure optimal treat-to-target strategies, adjusting therapy based on disease activity and treatment response, and to manage complications or comorbidities effectively.

While specific SLE monitoring tools are not detailed in the provided context, these general principles align with NICE recommendations for inflammatory rheumatic diseases and support effective disease management in primary care settings.