Can Hydroxychloroquine Reduce Risk of Progression to SLE in Patients With Incomplete Lupus?

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Researchers have assessed hydroxychloroquine's ability to help prevent systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in people with incomplete lupus erythematosus (ILE).

The data emerged from the Study of Anti-Malarials in Incomplete Lupus Erythematosus (SMILE) trial, which included 187 participants in a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial.

ILE was defined as antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity with 1-2 additional criteria. Patients 15-49 years old were eligible. Randomization was 1:1 hydroxychloroquine to placebo. Evaluations took place at 3-month intervals over 24 months.

Nancy Olsen, MD, a rheumatologist and researcher with Penn State Health, served as the first author of the report, which appears in Arthritis & Rheumatology. The following study excerpts were edited for length and clarity.