Associations between hydroxychloroquine dose and risk of flares in systemic lupus erythematosus.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To evaluate the relationship between Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) dosage and the incidence of flares in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) flare incidence.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study analysed 703 SLE patients (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000, SLEDAI-2 K ≥ 4) from multiple Chinese centres (2020-2023). Patients were stratified by HCQ dose into low-dose (≤ 6.5 mg/kg/day) and high-dose (> 6.5 mg/kg/day) HCQ groups. The primary outcome was SLE flare incidence (therapy augmentation, SLEDAI-2 K increase ≥ 4, or SLE-related hospitalisation.

Results

Among the 703 patients, 45.5% experienced flares. Flare incidence was significantly lower in the high-dose group (41.0% vs. 51.5%, P = 0.006). High-dose HCQ reduced flare risk (fully adj

SUBMITTER: Zou Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12751568 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature