SLE treatment — SCE Rheumatology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyConnective Tissue DiseasesSLE treatmentSCE Rheumatology

A 33-year-old woman with SLE has fatigue, arthralgia and intermittent photosensitive rash. There is no renal, neurological or haematological involvement. She uses sun protection and her baseline eye assessment is satisfactory. FBC, U&Es and LFTs are normal. What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Start hydroxychloroquine

Explanation lettering: C = shown as B · B = shown as C

Start hydroxychloroquine is best because hydroxychloroquine is recommended background therapy for most patients with SLE unless contraindicated. B is less suitable because allopurinol treats gout rather than lupus activity; C is less suitable because cyclophosphamide is reserved for severe organ-threatening disease; D is less suitable because etanercept is not standard SLE treatment; E is less suitable because long-term moderate-dose prednisolone causes avoidable toxicity and is not first-line background treatment. Clinical pearl: hydroxychloroquine reduces flares and supports steroid minimisation in SLE.

Reference: EULAR SLE recommendations 2023; BNF