LFA-REAL clinician-reported outcome as an effective disease activity measure for systemic lupus erythematosus

The Lupus Hub was pleased to speak to Manuel Ugarte-Gil, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru. We asked how effective is the Lupus Foundation of America Rapid Evaluation of Activity in Lupus (LFA-REAL) clinician-reported outcome in assessing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity. 

Ugarte-Gil initiates the discussion by evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of the existing disease activity indices, such as SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG), and Physician’s Global Assessment (PGA), emphasizing the need for more comprehensive, easy-to-use measures, and time-effective indices. Ugarte-Gil introduces a novel index, namely the LFA REAL clinician-reported outcome, which includes visual analogue scales for various organ domains and correlates with existing physician-based disease activity measures. He illustrates examples of patient scenarios, showcasing how different indices may yield varied assessments. He also introduces the LFA-REAL patient-reported outcome, aiming to incorporate patient perspectives on disease activity. While acknowledging the need to address inter-observer variation, he expresses optimism about the potential of the LFA-REAL clinician-reported outcome to enhance the evaluation of patients with SLE.