biostudies-literatureMcCarthy EMMedical Research CouncilNational Institute for Health Research (NIHR)NIHWellcome Trust470-479https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC5850287biostudies-literatureUnknown57(3)<h4>Objectives</h4>To describe the baseline characteristics of SLE patients requiring biologic therapy in the UK and to explore short term efficacy and infection rates associated with rituximab (RTX) use.<h4>Methods</h4>Patients commencing biologic therapy for refractory SLE and who consented to join BILAG-BR were analysed. Baseline characteristics, disease activity (BILAG 2004/SLEDAI-2K) and rates of infection over follow-up were analysed. Response was defined as loss of all A and B BILAG scores to ⩽ 1 B score with no new A/B scores in other organ systems at 6 months.<h4>Results</h4>Two hundred and seventy SLE patients commenced biologic therapy from September 2010 to September 2015, most commonly RTX (n = 261). Two hundred and fifty (93%) patients were taking glucocorticoids at baseline Rheumatology (Oxford, England)Short-term efficacy and safety of rituximab therapy in refractory systemic lupus erythematosus: results from the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group Biologics Register.PMC5850287NF-SI-0515-10015NF-SI-0512-10105NF-SI-0617-10075MR/M01665X/1Nesbit SRahman AEdwards CJBruce INSutton ETeh LSBritish Isles Lupus Assessment Group Biologics RegisterWhite JLanyon PZoma AYee CSParker BGriffiths BJayne DVital EMMcCarthy EMMcHugh NJIsenberg DAGordon CD'Cruz DPRhodes BAkil MfalseShort-term efficacy and safety of rituximab therapy in refractory systemic lupus erythematosus: results from the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group Biologics Register.<h4>Objectives</h4>To describe the baseline characteristics of SLE patients requiring biologic therapy in the UK and to explore short term efficacy and infection rates associated with rituximab (RTX) use.<h4>Methods</h4>Patients commencing biologic therapy for refractory SLE and who consented to join BILAG-BR were analysed. Baseline characteristics, disease activity (BILAG 2004/SLEDAI-2K) and rates of infection over follow-up were analysed. Response was defined as loss of all A and B BILAG scores to ⩽ 1 B score with no new A/B scores in other organ systems at 6 months.<h4>Results</h4>Two hundred and seventy SLE patients commenced biologic therapy from September 2010 to September 2015, most commonly RTX (n = 261). Two hundred and fifty (93%) patients were taking glucocorticoids at baseline 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z2018 Mar2025-04-18T20:15:42.113Z2019-03-26T23:22:56ZS-EPMC58502872921639610.1093/rheumatology/kex395