Damage in systemic lupus erythematosus and its association with corticosteroids

Abstract

SLE patients receiving long-term prednisone therapy were at significant risk of morbidity due to permanent organ damage. Additional research is required to determine the relative contributions of SLE disease activity and corticosteroids to the pathogenesis of specific types of organ damage. Furthermore, new steroid-sparing therapies are needed in order to treat disease activity and minimize cumulative and high-dose prednisone exposure.