Telitacicept Could Be a Potential Treatment for Lupus Hepatitis

Hepatitis (inflammation of liver tissue) is one of the most frequent causes of liver function abnormalities in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Lupus hepatitis (LH) is hard to diagnose and often requires first ruling out many other causes of liver disease. This case study suggests that telitacicept, a biologic therapy that targets B cell activity, could be a safe and effective treatment for LH and may reduce dosage of glucocorticoids. 

Researchers looked at the case of a woman diagnosed with LH who was resistant to both conventional treatment and belimumab. During initial SLE diagnosis, the woman showcased rashes across her hands and lower limbs, skin lesions, joint pain, and mild liver dysfunction. After repeated doses of glucocorticoids, she experienced many adverse reactions that led to belimumab treatment. With no significant improvement in liver function from belimumab, a liver biopsy was performed, and LH was officially diagnosed. She was then given telitacicept in combination with other treatments (methylprednisolone, hydroxychloroquine, and azathioprine) which helped greatly improve her liver function. 

Researchers also conducted a literature review and found that usage of telitacicept for the treatment LH has not been investigated or described in any studies. While this case showcases telitacicept was successful in treating refractory LH, further studies with more participants are needed to confirm findings and ensure treatment safety. Learn more about lupus and the liver.

Read the study