A recent global survey conducted by the World Lupus Federation has shed light on the widespread reliance on oral steroids for the treatment of lupus. The survey, which involved over 7,700 lupus patients from more than 100 countries, found that 91% of respondents were currently taking or had previously taken oral steroids to manage their condition.
While steroids such as prednisone can help reduce inflammation in lupus patients, the survey revealed concerning patterns of long-term usage. Of those surveyed, 75% reported using steroids for more than a year, and 27% had been using them for over a decade. Furthermore, 43% admitted to taking maintenance doses exceeding the recommended range, while 58% reported using maximum doses of 30 mg or higher. Unsurprisingly, an overwhelming majority (96%) expressed concerns about the long-term effects of steroid use.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and pain in various parts of the body, including the heart, kidneys, lungs, blood, joints, and skin. People with lupus often turn to steroids to manage their symptoms, but prolonged usage also poses serious health risks, including infections, osteoporosis, and diabetes.
The survey’s findings highlight the significant burden of side effects experienced by lupus patients who rely on steroids. Six out of ten respondents reported experiencing at least one major side effect, such as diabetes, heart disease, organ failure, osteoporosis, or vision problems. This figure rose to 70% among those who had been using steroids for more than five years.
Additionally, 95% of respondents who had used steroids reported experiencing at least one side effect, with an average of six reported side effects per individual from a list of 19 potential effects. Some of the most commonly reported side effects included weight gain (77%), mood swings (54%), changes in appearance (53%), and insomnia (52%).
The survey’s results underline the urgent need for alternative lupus treatments that do not carry such significant side effects. Furthermore, the survey exposed gaps in patient-centered care, with 39% of respondents stating that their healthcare providers did not seek their input regarding steroid dosage decisions.
As we approach World Lupus Day on May 10th, it is crucial to raise awareness and advocate for better access to safe and effective lupus treatments. The World Lupus Federation urges individuals worldwide to share data related to lupus, including the findings of this survey, and raise awareness using the official World Lupus Day toolkit.
For more details on the survey, please refer to the main visual summary and detailed survey results.
The article discusses the impact of steroid use in the treatment of lupus, based on a recent global survey conducted by the World Lupus Federation. While steroids like prednisone can help reduce inflammation in lupus patients, the survey highlights concerning patterns of long-term usage. 91% of respondents reported currently taking or previously having taken oral steroids for their condition, with 75% using them for more than a year and 27% for over a decade.
One key fact not mentioned in the article is the current market trends in lupus treatment. There has been a growing interest in developing targeted biologic therapies for lupus, which aim to specifically modulate the immune system to reduce inflammation and minimize the need for long-term steroid use. Biologics like belimumab (Benlysta) have been approved for the treatment of lupus, and more drugs in this class are currently in development.
Forecasts for the lupus treatment market indicate that it will continue to grow in the coming years. According to a report by Transparency Market Research, the global lupus treatment market is projected to reach a value of $2.7 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.7% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by increasing awareness about lupus, advancements in treatment options, and the rising prevalence of the disease.
Despite these positive trends, there are also key challenges and controversies associated with the subject. One major challenge is the development of new therapies that can effectively manage lupus symptoms without the significant side effects of long-term steroid use. Finding alternative treatments that can address the underlying immune dysfunction in lupus while minimizing the risk of adverse effects remains a primary goal.
Another controversy surrounds the use of high doses of steroids for prolonged periods in lupus treatment. While steroids can provide short-term relief, their long-term use can lead to serious health risks such as infections, osteoporosis, and diabetes. Striking a balance between managing lupus symptoms and minimizing the potential harm from steroids continues to be a topic of debate among healthcare providers.
In summary, the impact of steroid use in lupus treatment is a significant concern highlighted by the World Lupus Federation’s recent survey. While steroids can help reduce inflammation, their long-term usage poses serious health risks and burden of side effects for patients. The development of alternative therapies and the need for patient-centered care are key challenges in the field.
For more details on the survey, you can refer to the main visual summary and detailed survey results provided by the World Lupus Federation.