The Lupus Foundation of America Rapid Evaluation of Activity in Lupus Patient-Reported Outcome Predicts Health-Related Quality of Life, Fatigue, and Work Productivity Impairment: Data From the Almenara Lupus Cohort

Objective The study aims to evaluate the impact of patient-reported disease activity in other patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Methods SLE patients from the Almenara Lupus Cohort were included, and visits were performed every 6 months. Disease activity was assessed with the Lupus Foundation of America Rapid Evaluation of Activity in Lupus (LFA-REAL) PRO, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with the LupusQoL, fatigue with the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F), and work productivity impairment with the work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI). Generalized estimating equations were performed for each domain of the LupusQoL, the FACIT-F, and the WPAI. The LFA-REAL PRO measured at the previous visit; multivariable models were adjusted for possible confounders measured at the same visit as the LFA-REAL PRO. The Β (regression unstandardized coefficient) is reported per an increase of 10 units of the LFA-REAL PRO. Results A total of 316 patients and 1116 visits were included. Mean (SD) LFA-REAL PRO at baseline was 240.9 (182.1). LFA-REAL PRO predicted a worse HRQoL in all domains of the LupusQoL, the WPAI, and the FACIT-F, even after adjustment for confounders. Conclusions A higher patient-reported disease activity predicted a worse HRQoL and fatigue as well as a higher work productivity impairment in SLE patients. Patient-reported disease activity should be included in the evaluation of SLE patients on a regular basis as such provides the patients' own perception of their disease. This may have an impact on their adherence to treatment and may result in better outcomes.