The SLE Consult: Lupus Nephritis, Patient-Clinician Communication, and Treatment Adherence

Rheumatologists who manage patients with SLE are faced with a myriad of challenges. Objective tests and tools that can help to fully assess symptoms, flare, treatment response, and damage accrual must be better understood and employed. Established and emerging therapies (including combinations) must be considered and used prudently, with an eye toward establishing treatment priorities and balancing safety and disease/damage mitigation. However, none of these crucial tasks can be readily accomplished without a strong rapport with the patient and optimal adherence to prescribed treatment, which is bolstered by the establishment of trust, clear, regular, and relevant communication, and provision of individualized education.