Systemic lupus erythematosus exacerbation following cessation of belimumab treatment

Abstract

Belimumab therapy has been shown to be beneficial in the management of active SLE, mostly in patients with mucocutaneous and musculoskeletal manifestations. We suggest a possible rebound effect following cessation of belimumab that could be due to an increase in B-cell activating factor (BAFF) levels and lead to a disease flare. Future assessment of BAFF levels in patients stopping belimumab therapy and clinical correlation may support this hypothesis. Further studies are needed to confirm this observation.