Fatigue in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: An Update on Its Impact, Determinants and Therapeutic Management

Abstract

Fatigue is a complex and multifactorial phenomenon which is often neglected by clinicians. The aim of this review was to analyze the impact, determinants and management of fatigue in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Fatigue is one of the most prevalent symptoms in SLE, reported by 67% to 90% of patients. It is also described as the most bothersome symptom, considering that it may impair key aspects of health-related quality of life, while also leading to employment disability. It is a multifactorial phenomenon involving psychological factors, pain, lifestyle factors such as reduced physical activity, whereas the contribution of disease activity remains controversial. The management of fatigue in patients with SLE should rely upon a person-centered approach, with targeted interventions. Some pharmacological treatments used to control disease activity have demonstrated beneficial effects upon fatigue and non-pharmacological therapies such as psychological interventions, pain reduction and lifestyle changes, and each of these should be incorporated into fatigue management in SLE.