Compared with standard care, telemedicine pre-dominant follow-up resulted in similar 1-year
disease control in patients with SLE, although it worked best when complemented by in-person
visits, especially for those with unpredictable disease, according to a study published in the
Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. Researchers conducted a 1-year randomized controlled trial
at a lupus nephritis clinic. Patients were randomly assigned to either standard care or
telemedicine follow-up in a 1:1 ratio. The proportion of patients in low disease activity after 1
year was the primary outcome; secondary outcomes included safety, various patient-reported
outcomes, and cost of illness. A total of 141 patients (telemedicine, 70; standard follow-up, 71)
completed the study. At 1 year, 80.0% and 80.2% of patients in the telemedicine group and standard
follow-up group were in a lupus low disease activity state or complete remission, respectively
(P=0.967). Number of flares, SLE disease activity indices, and frequency of follow-ups were also
similar. There were no differences in the QOL,
cost of illness, or mental health scores.
