Hydroxychloroquine in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

A Systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE is disease in which immune system is over-active causing inflammation in joints skin or any organ system. There are many areas where better approaches in SLE could improve outcomes. One example relates to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) key drug which can reduce risk of serious disease flares. There are increasing concerns about eye damage main side effect with long-term use of HCQ. At present investigators cannot precisely predict which SLE patient is most likely to flare once HCQ is tapered. It is not clear what drives risk of eye damage. Investigators' study will fill these knowledge gaps. Investigators' hypothesis is that baseline demographic and clinical factors are associated with risk of SLE flare after HCQ taper/discontinuation and with risk of retinal toxicity in all HCQ exposed patients. Research will link and analyze data on 3700 SLE patients across Canada.