Lupus cohort study recruits 1000th patient
Congratulations to the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group: Biologics Prospective Cohort (BILAG BR) team who recently recruited their 1000th participant to the study.
The BILAG BR is a prospective observational cohort study of patients with lupus who are starting treatment with a biologic drug or a conventional, non-biologic therapy. Led by Professor Ian Bruce, the study sits in the Connected Tissue Disease programme in the BRC’s Musculoskeletal Theme.
The aim of the BILAG BR is to determine whether using biologics in the routine treatment of lupus is associated with an increased risk of hospitalisation for infection, compared to SLE patients with similar disease activity receiving conventional therapies.
The secondary aim is to determine the long-term efficacy of biological therapies in the treatment of SLE.
The study involves researchers collecting information from the clinic team and patients about diagnosis, disease activity, risk factor for infection and routine clinical test results. These are then followed up at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months to include any changes in medication, side effects, and hospitalisations for infection, disease activity and quality of life along with biological samples for biomarker analysis.
Professor Ian Bruce said of the achievement:
As we hit the 1000th recruitment milestone, we wanted to take this opportunity to thank each and every person for taking part in the study. Without the participation and involvement of patients, we wouldn’t be able to improve treatment for lupus or learn more about the condition. By building a large register, we’re able to build a clearer picture of the overall safety and effectiveness of biologics to treat lupus. Specifically, it will allow us to also identify if any risks are relevant only for a certain group of patients.