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Risks and benefits of immunosuppressant withdrawal in systemic lupus erythematosus

Nature Reviews Rheumatology volume 21, pages 439–440 (2025)Cite this article

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Withdrawing immunosuppressive treatment in systemic lupus erythematosus offers reduced toxicity and improved quality of life for patients in remission but carries a risk of disease reactivation. Emerging studies emphasize the importance of identifying patients who can safely discontinue therapy using clinical criteria and molecular profiling to guide personalized strategies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Arthritis and Clinical Immunology, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA

    Catriona A. Wagner & Judith A. James

  2. Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA

    Judith A. James

  3. Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA

    Judith A. James

Authors
  1. Catriona A. Wagner
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  2. Judith A. James
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Correspondence to Judith A. James.

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Competing interests

J.A.J. has served as a consultant for GSK. C.A.W. declares no competing interests.

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Wagner, C.A., James, J.A. Risks and benefits of immunosuppressant withdrawal in systemic lupus erythematosus. Nat Rev Rheumatol 21, 439–440 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41584-025-01262-5

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