The effectiveness of telitacicept in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A retrospective, real-world study

Objective Despite some study demonstrated the effectiveness of telitacicept in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a noticeable gap exists in real-world data. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness and safety of telitacicept in patients with SLE in the real-world. Method This retrospective study enrolled patients with SLE at the Tangdu Hospital from January 2022 to January 2023. These patients were administered telitacicept at 80 mg or 160 mg dosage. The observed outcomes were changes in the SLE Responder Index 4 (SRI-4), disease activity, renal function, and immunological indicators. Result Sixty-one patients were enrolled, with 60 patients completed the 24-week follow-up, and 30 completed the 52-week. The SRI-4 response rates at 4, 12, 24, and 52 weeks were 52.5%, 67.2%, 75.4%, and 80.0%, respectively. No statistically differences were observed in the SRI-4 response rates between the 80 mg and 160 mg doses at any of the time points (all p > 0.05). By 52 weeks, the Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-SLE Disease Activity Index scores were significant decreased from baseline ( p < 0.001), and complement 3 and 4 levels ( p = 0.001), albumin levels ( p = 0.004), and the overall change in glucocorticoid dosage ( p < 0.001) were all significantly increased, with all showing significant changes over time ( p < 0.001). During the study, 3 (4.9%) patients experienced infection, and 1 (1.6%) developed an allergy at the injection site. Conclusion Telitacicept exhibited a highly effective and favorable safety in patients with SLE, with improved renal and hematological manifestations and facilitated a reduction in glucocorticoid medication usage.