An "old medicine," hydroxychloroquine, has been shown in recent research studies to exert a clear protective effect in terms of survival in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This is stated in a report published in the August issue of the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. According to first author Dr. Graciela S. Alarcon, from the University of Alabama, Birmingham, "It prevents the occurrence of flares or disease exacerbations and the accrual of organ damage, and now our work indicates that it also increases the patients' probability of survival."
The researchers point out that antimalarial drugs such as hydroxychloroquine have antithrombotic, antihyperlipdemic, and antihyperglycemic effects, which may "independently contribute to the decreased occurrence of vascular thrombotic events."
According to Dr. Alarcon, the research data suggests that, unless there is a specific contraindication for its use, lupus patients should receive this medication. She points out that hydroxychloroquine should be given using established guidelines so that the proper dose is prescribed--not exceeding 6.5 mg/kg of ideal body weight. She further advises that adequate ophthalmological monitoring be employed.
--Source: Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, August 2007
