The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) developed evidence-based guidelines to manage systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis with nonpharmacologic methods, according to new recommendations published by Parodis et al in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. A task force—involving 7 rheumatologists, 15 health-care professionals, and 3 patients—conducted a systematic literature review to identify the new recommendations. They then graded each of the recommendations according to risk of bias assessment, level of evidence, and strength of recommendation to determine the 4 principles and 12 recommendations that were the most effective. Among the new guidelines were:
- Patients with lupus may require photoprotection and psychosocial interventions, whereas patients with systemic sclerosis may require mouth and hand exercises
- Physicians should supply patients with resources on physical activities, smoking cessation, and cold exposure avoidance
- Nonpharmacologic methods should be person-centered and tailored to each patient
- Nonpharmacologic methods should complement, rather than replace, pharmacotherapy.
The task force hopes their new guidelines will help establish a standard of personalized care and improved communication strategies for patients with lupus and systemic sclerosis.