Systemic lupus erythematosus

This review covers major advances in clinical issues related to systemic lu pus erythematosus (SLE) published between 1995 and 2000. The classification criteria for both SLE and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) have been update d, and up to 19 different subsets of neuropsychiatric lupus have been defin ed. New epidemiological data show that the incidence of new cases and the s urvival of patients with SLE are both increasing. Several randomised contro lled trials have defined the role of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, antima larials, and hormonal treatment in the management of SLE. New data are avai lable for drugs such as ciclosporin and thalidomide. Finally, several new t reatments for severe refractory cases, such as mycophenolate mofetil and st em-cell transplantation, are being increasingly used. New data also refer t o management of thrombosis in APS and high-risk pregnancies in women with S LE or APS.