Figure 5.

Associations with systemic lupus erythematosus responder index 4 (SRI-4) response. The forest plots illustrate results from proportional hazards regression (Cox regression) models created to explore potential associations between baseline levels of cytokines, autoantibodies, or circulating immune complexes (IC) and achievement of sustained SRI-4 response (fulfilment of the SRI-4 conditions at two consecutive follow-up visits, at least 3 months apart). Demographic and disease-specific factors were also analyzed for the purpose of adjustments for confounding potentiality. Time in the models represents the time from baseline to the first follow-up visit when sustained SRI-4 was achieved for patients who achieved the outcome, and total follow-up time for patients who did not. All baseline variables were first tested in univariable (simple) models, and variables showing significant associations with attainment (or non-attainment) of SRI-4 were next included in a multivariable model. Next, we substituted anti-Smith antigen (Sm) positivity with double positivity for anti-double stranded (ds)DNA and anti-Sm antibodies to assess whether this would improve the model. Asterisks indicate statistically significant associations. SRI-4: systemic lupus erythematosus responder index 4; SLEDAI-2K: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000; SDI: Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Damage Index; HR: hazard ratio; CI: confidence interval.