**3. Therapeutic strategies for the management of SLE**

In 2014 a panel of experts introduced the treating-to-target approach in the management of SLE [147]. In 2019 an update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of SLE was published [148]. These recommendations are based both on evidence as well as on expert opinion. According to these recommendations, hydroxychloroquine should be administered to all lupus patients at a dose not exceeding 5 mg/kg real body weight. During chronic maintenance therapy glucocorticoids should be minimized to less than 7.5 mg/day and withdrawn if possible. Initiation of immunomodulatory agents can aid in tapering or withdrawal of corticosteroids. In active or flaring extra-renal disease belimumab should be considered. Rituximab is an option for organ-threatening refractory disease. Various approaches for the treatment of SLE are currently under investigation. These include various methods to target interferon I, such as the use of anifrolumab, a human monoclonal antidoy to type I interferon receptor subunit 1 [149, 150], and to inhibit T cell co-stimulation [151]. Baricitinib, an oral selective Janus kinase1 and Janus kinase 2 inhibitor is an oral treatment, which was tested in SLE patients with favorable results [152].
