Abstract

Outcome is defined as “something that follows as a result or consequence of an activity or process”. Although the outcome of patients with SLE has improved within the last decades (e.g. considering mortality rates), the disease is a condition still associated with considerable burden and increased morbidity. In routine care the assessment of SLE patients is biased by the experience of the treating physician which leads to significant variability. This may impact quality of care offered to patients and ultimately influence outcomes. Almost five years ago, a 'core set' of minimal variables for the assessment and monitoring of patients with SLE in clinical practice was developed which includes e.g. disease activity, damage and co-morbidities. More recently, targets have been defined in order to improve the long-term outcome. In this context, consensus definitions of “low disease activity state” (LLDAS) and of “remission” in SLE were generated. First retrospective studies showed that e.g. achievement of LLDAS was associated with significantly reduced organ damage accrual. Therefore in 5 years from now, outcome assessment will hopefully change from a “passive approach” to an active process leading to targeted treatment decisions.