Scoping literature review to identify candidate domains for the OMERACT Systemic Lupus Erythematosus core outcome set

To identify candidate Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) domains from the literature for consideration towards the development of the SLE Core Outcome Set.

This was a comprehensive scoping literature review of SLE clinical trials and systematic reviews published since 2010. Studies were identified from 5 databases and were screened for eligibility. Candidate domains were extracted from the included studies. Candidate domains were winnowed and binned by the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) SLE Advisory Group.

Of the 4063 studies identified, 507 met inclusion criteria and proceeded to data extraction. Multiple domains and items were extracted, which winnowing and binning reduced to 25 candidate domains.

The 25 candidate domains cover the important aspects of SLE and the 4 core areas of disease impact according to OMERACT framework. The 25 candidate domains constitute a feasible and manageable number of domains to proceed with to the core domain consensus stage that covers the wide range of impact of SLE. The candidate domains will be supplemented by ongoing qualitative research with patients living with SLE to identify additional domains before proceeding to the consensus stage.