In a new study, researchers looked to better understand and evaluate the range of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) symptoms and manifestationsby developing the Type 2 Physician Global Assessment (Type 2 PGA). While measures of type 1 SLE activity (classic signs and symptoms of SLE like arthritis, rash and proteinuria) exist, most physician-reported measures do not include type 2 SLE activity, which includes fatigue, widespread pain, and brain fog with an unclear relationship to inflammation. Researchers found the Type 2 PGA may improve routine rheumatology visits by bringing certain symptoms to the provider’s attention that may not be well represented in standard measures of disease activity. 

The Type 2 PGA was developed by six rheumatologists to improve patient care, research type 2 symptoms, and how these symptoms correlate with the response to therapy. The Type 2 PGA was evaluated using data collected from 263 people with SLE enrolled in the Duke Lupus Registry. Study participants were scored on the Type 2 PGA severity scale from 0 (no disease activity) to 3 (most severe activity). Researchers found the Type 2 PGA was correlated with patient-reported symptoms of distress, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, waking up unrefreshed, and forgetfulness. 

This study affirms the Type 2 PGA may be an effective and reliable way to measure type 2 SLE activity over time, which is helpful in both a research and clinical care setting. Learn more about lupus symptoms.

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