Systemic lupus erythematosus in the elderly: antimalarials in disease remission

To analyze the long-term antimalarials (AM) usage on elderly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients from 2002 to 2008. Fifty-seven consecutive SLE patients,  ≥65 years, were enrolled. The patients were divided into groups A (disease remission) and B (disease activity: with clinical and/or laboratory alterations attributed to SLE activity, and/or using steroid and immunosuppressors). Forty-three patients (75.4%) were in group A. The mean age in groups A and B was, respectively, 69.8 ± 4.5 versus 67.8 ± 4.8 years (P = 0.210), with similar disease onset (46.9 ± 11.2 vs. 42.3 ± 11.6 years; P = 0.220). There was no difference in gender, ethnicity, and clinical previous manifestations. In 21 out of 57 cases (10 from group A and 11, group B, P < 0.001), AM had been suspended after 5.2 ± 1.3 years, because of its side effects (maculopathy). The disease remission was strongly associated to AM usage (OR 12.91; 95% CI 2.87–58.13). In summary, SLE remission was significantly associated with the long-term AM usage.