{
  "abstract": "Objectives Belimumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting B-cell activating factor (BAFF) has demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials. Real-world data, however, are limited in Ireland where access remains restricted. This study evaluated the tolerability and effectiveness of Belimumab in reducing disease activity, corticosteroid dependence and hospitalisations in Irish patients with SLE across two tertiary hospitals.Methods We conducted a retrospective review of adult SLE patients who initiated Belimumab therapy at Cork University Hospital (CUH, n=12) and Beaumont Hospital, Dublin (n=6) through July 2025. To assess Belimumab’s efficacy, we recorded SLE Disease Activity (SLEDAI), daily prednisolone-equivalent dose, additional immunosuppressants at baseline, 6 months, 12 months on therapy and any belimumab discontinuation, if occurred. SLE- and infection- related hospitalizations in the 12 months following therapy initiation were recorded. Descriptive analyses were performed, and combined outcomes are presented alongside site-specific comparisons. ( Table 1)Results 18 patients, all female, mean age at diagnosis was 27 years (range 12-65) were included. Patients were refractory having a mean of 3 prior immunosuppressants. Musculoskeletal (77.8%) and mucocutaneous (50%) manifestations predominated, with renal involvement confined to CUH cohort (58.3%). The mean duration of Belimumab therapy was 1.8 years (range 0.25-7). Most patients received concomitant immunosuppressants [Mycophenolate Mofetil (66.7%), azathioprine (11%) and tacrolimus (11%)]. 2 received Belimumab monotherapy.Baseline combined SLEDAI was 10.2±3.9 (range 4-16), with substantial prednisolone requirement (combined mean dose 20.4±13.3, range 0-50 mg/day). At 6 months, SLEDAI significantly improved to a mean of 5.1±4.7 (range 0-16), alongside significant reduction in daily prednisolone dose (mean 4.8±3.5 mg/kg, range 0–13 mg/day). During therapy, 3 patients had persistently high SLEDAI (14-16) and required hospitalisation for flare; 2 within 6 months, consistent with Belimumab’s delayed maximal effect. The third received monotherapy. In Beaumont, adjunct use in infection-prone patients yielded favourable outcomes. No flare or infection-related hospitalisations occurred beyond one year to date. (Figure 1)Abstract PO:10:253 Table 1Baseline, 6-month and 12-month Outcomes by CentreAbstract PO:10:253 Figure 1Hospitalisation Pre- and Post- BelimumabConclusions In this two-centre Irish cohort, Belimumab was safe, well tolerated and effective with marked, sustained reductions in disease activity and corticosteroid requirement. The absence of late flares, infections-related hospitalisation and no discontinuation underscores its long-term benefit. A subset with persistent high activity early in the course may require individualised adjunctive strategies.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland"
      ],
      "name": "Sherdya Worthy Tio"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland"
      ],
      "name": "Anna Cleary"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland"
      ],
      "name": "Laura Durcan"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland"
      ],
      "name": "Eoghan Mccarthy"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland"
      ],
      "name": "Grainne Murphy"
    }
  ],
  "title": "PO:10:253 Outcomes of belimumab therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients: a two-centre Irish study",
  "uid": "72025d69-5676-53d4-88aa-4e199e5689ca"
}