Conclusions Serum IFNa2 levels measured by Simoa, but not the type-I IFN gene signature, are associated with disease activity scores and characterize disease activity states in cSLE patients. Hence, this technique has the potential to be implemented in clinical practice.

Proportions of patients reporting problems were greater among obese versus normal-weighted patients regarding all EQ-5D dimensions (table 1). Post-intervention, similar results were seen for both the pre-obese patients and the obese patients, in comparison with normalweighted patients (table 2). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, obesity was associated with unfavourable HRQoL in all EQ-5D-3L dimensions at baseline (P<0.05 for all), showing the strongest association with mobility (OR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.57-2.79; P<0.001), and pre-obesity with problems regarding mobility (OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.11-1.82; P=0.005). Post-intervention, obesity was associated with problems in mobility and pain/discomfort, and pre-obesity with problems in mobility and self-care (P<0.05 for all). Conclusions Our study corroborates known associations between high BMI and HRQoL impairments. Obesity appears to negatively impact on mobility and contribute to pain despite therapy. Investigation of whether weight control can improve HRQoL in a prospective setting is warranted.