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✅ Thank you 🙏 to the German #Rheumatology Association @DGRh_Tweets for the invitation to talk about #Fatigue & #Lupus at the 2024 Rheumatologiekongress of Düsseldorf (18-21 Sept). It is (always) a great honor for me to meet my German colleagues 👍
New content online! Current understanding and management of cardiovascular involvement in rheumatic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases http://dlvr.it/TCqcqz
👏 Congratulations to @LupusAcademy for an outstanding event!
🏆 The 🔝 quality of speakers, topics, & the organization has been truly amazing. An incredible learning experience!
🙏🏻 Thanks for including the patient perspective in these important discussions
#LupusAcademy2024
And that's a wrap! Thank you to our Co-Chairs David Isenberg and @ronfvv and to all our speakers and delegates for making #LupusAcademy2024 such a memorable meeting! We also wish to thank our sponsors for their support. Safe travels home everyone, until next year! #SLE #lupus
Our final presentation of #LupusAcademy2024 by @ykoteng_LUMC was an informative discussion of post-transplantation manangement in #lupus
#kidney rheumtwitter #sle
Thank you to @eleana_nt for an insightful discussion on improving patient-physician communication and managing poor adherence in #lupus at #LupusAcademy2024
An excellent poster presentation session covering some very interesting topics this morning at #LupusAcademy2024! Congratulations to Silvia Mancuso and Ana-Luisa Stefanski for winning the prize 👏👏👏 #SLE
😄We are proud to have contributed alongside @LUPUSUK, @LupusOrg, and @LupusCanada to this important research on #SLE damage accrual and patient outcomes.
🙌Thanks, Dr @lupusdoc, for acknowledging the patients' contribution to research!
#LupusAcademy2024
🌟 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 #𝐋𝐮𝐩𝐮𝐬𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐲𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠❗
🤩 What an incredible day with insightful sessions and important discussions about #SLE!
💫 𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲'𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫, 𝐉𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞, 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐀𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐮𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐥𝐚, 𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭’𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐮𝐩𝐮𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭❗
Stay tuned for tomorrow, where we'll dive deeper into the insights shared!
📝 Here's a recap of the key moments:
🫀 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧 #𝐥𝐮𝐩𝐮𝐬
Dr. Bernardo Pons-Estel and Dr. Anisur Rahman tackled the complexities of managing heart and lung complications in #SLE, emphasising early detection and intervention to reduce risk.
🩸 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐚𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐮𝐩𝐮𝐬
Dr Ricard Cervera and Dr Raquel Faria discussed the importance of addressing haematological issues in lupus, including anaemia and thrombocytopenia.
🌍 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐮𝐩𝐮𝐬
Dr Andrea Doria and Dr Annegret Kuhn highlighted the challenges of treating lupus skin involvement, stressing the role of dermatologists in multidisciplinary care.
🤰 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐮𝐩𝐮𝐬
Dr Sandra Navarra and Dr Irene Bultink covered the delicate balance of managing lupus during pregnancy, with an emphasis on preconception counselling and close monitoring throughout gestation.
💉 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐬/𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐮𝐩𝐮𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬
Dr. Maria Dall’Era and Dr. Alexandre Voskuyl presented the latest advancements in biologics and targeted therapies, focusing on personalised treatments for lupus nephritis.
🔬 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐬
The afternoon covered novel therapies, including CAR-T cell therapy, where Dr Ronald van Vollenhoven and Dr Richard Furie addressed the potential and limitations of these emerging treatments for lupus. While CAR-T holds promise, it's crucial to manage expectations.
🫀 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭, 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬
The session on cardiac diseases by Dr Wouter Kok, lupus and bone health by Dr Judith Bubbear, and lupus and the eyes by Dr Joeri de Hoog provided invaluable insights into managing organ-specific complications in lupus patients. Early detection and multidisciplinary care remain critical
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🎉 What an amazing first day we had at the 𝐋𝐮𝐩𝐮𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 in Amsterdam!
The day was packed with insightful talks and lively discussions on #lupus research and management.
🦋 Some of the key highlights included:
✨ Lupus and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis with Dr Jessica Manson.
✨ Lupus and cancer by Dr Sasha Bernatsky.
✨ Lupus and infections led by Dr Bregtje Lemkes.
✨ Lupus and vaccinations by Dr Reşit Yıldırım.
🗣️ Plus, enriching panel discussions on these crucial topics!
💸 We also explored the management of lupus in low-middle-income countries with Dr Sandra Navarra. We had a chance to engage with poster presentations and a lively debate on DOACs in #APS and SLE/APS featuring Prof Ricard Cervera and Dr Hannah Cohen.
🌙 The day concluded with a plenary session on lupus basic science, where Dr Leonid Padyukov discussed lupus genetics 🧬, Dr Claudia Mauri explored the regulation of B and T cell interactions, and Dr Thomas Dörner questioned the role of type I interferon in inflammatory rheumatic diseases like #SLE.
🎶 After such a full day, we ended on a high note with a wonderful evening entertainment featuring a brilliant performance by Prof David Isenberg and the Davidettes and an incredible piano interpretation of Beethoven by Prof Ronald von Vollenhoven.
🥰 Additionally, Professor Anisur Rahman recited a poem where he mentioned many of his colleagues in a flattering way, adding a touch of humour and camaraderie to the night 🙌 .
🤩 Don’t miss our Chair, Jeanette Andersen, and Dalila’s interventions today!
𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞-𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 the event‼️ So be sure to 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 for real-time updates!
📲💻 twitter.com/LupusEurope
#LupusAcademy2024
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My partner was diagnosed with SLE lupus in 2023,we have to give a try on herbal supplements which effectively get rid of herbal Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) condition dramatically. After 13 weeks of her usage, my wife lost touch with reality. Suspecting it was the medication I took her off the corticosteroids (with the doctor’s knowledge) and started her on the lupus natural herbal formula we ordered. It is advisable to always try natural herbs at first because MULTIVITAMIN HERBAL CURE ( www. multivitamincare. org ) neutralizes her SLE lupus which surprises everyone at home.
I’ve been through a similar journey and understand your concern. Natural alternative remedies by Dr osewen solution home is a game changers. I was struggling with Psoriasis,thyroid , Fibromyalgia and chronic pains for 3 years. Have you tried reaching out to any support group or organization for help.I wholeheartedly recommend reaching out to him through his Facebook webpages : www.facebook.com/103770562521545 Your path to recovery may be closer than you think. Sending love 💕 xx
Last weekend, Lupus Europe Volunteers participated in an intensive abstract workshop in Leuven.
📊 The workshop combined theoretical sessions that included statistics with practical exercises! We worked to develop abstracts based on the "Living With Lupus in 2024" survey results.
🌟 Continuous education and skill development are essential to fulfil our mission 💪.
❤️ We are grateful for the commitment and enthusiasm of our volunteers, who are truly inspiring, working with us to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those living with lupus across Europe.
🗣️ Our sincere thanks also go to all the patients who participated in our "Living With Lupus in 2024" survey.
🙏 A huge thank you to the valuable input and excellent work of all workshop attendees! We have already drafted a number of abstracts that we could submit to be presented at medical conferences, helping raise awareness of patients' needs.
✅ Let's keep getting involved in research! The more patients respond, the more significant and impactful the data will be.
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Congratulations to all of you in Lupus Europe for all the great work you do! 💪👏☝️👌
🛑 Lupus is a complex autoimmune chronic condition with symptoms and treatments that can potentially impact one’s sexual life and, consequently, quality of life.
💥 Symptoms like pain, fatigue, or joint stiffness can make physical intimacy challenging, while emotional factors such as anxiety, depression, and changes in body image can further complicate sexual well-being.
🚨In addition to lupus, overlapping conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome and antiphospholipid syndrome could also be a barrier to a fulfilling sexual life, as the former can cause vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse, and the latter can increase the risk of complications that may affect overall well-being and intimacy.
💊 Furthermore, certain medications used to manage lupus and related conditions could potentially have adverse effects on sexual health (corticosteroids, for instance, can lead to weight gain, mood swings, and decreased libido).
‼️Although sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent among patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRD), it remains under-recognised, under-discussed & under-treated in routine clinical care.
🔊 And that is why, on this #WorldSexualHealthDay, we want to raise awareness about the importance of addressing sexual health as a vital component of overall well-being
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ABOUT LUPUS EUROPE
Who are we?
LUPUS EUROPE is the European umbrella organisation that brings together national lupus patient organisations from across Europe. We are a non profit independent organisation. We aim to support and empower our national organisation members, sharing information with them and promoting better patient-centred processes, both within the healthcare field and at a political level. We also work tirelessly to improve access to healthcare for all lupus patients, advocating on their behalf at EU level. We use the WHO (World Health Organisation) definition of Europe as a region, rather than a political entity.
Since our humble beginnings, we have grown to represent most of Europe’s main countries which, in turn, represent over 30,000 patients in their respective memberships. We have observed the gradual shift in position, where formerly patients were often side-lined and not thought to be capable of contributing to their own care, to the current-day-thinking which aims for increasing patient involvement and communication at all levels.
LUPUS EUROPE is now considered a valued partner at medical conferences, in European healthcare organisations fighting for wider patients’ rights, and in Europe-wide initiatives aimed at improving healthcare and setting “standards of care” for lupus patients. We see research and clinical trials as key to the future of lupus patients and work with all stakeholders to improve the quality and efficiency of all lupus research.
LUPUS EUROPE, until 2020 was a UK based charity (803768). From 2021 LUPUS EUROPE moved and became a Belgium based non-profit organisation (0758.650.658).
OUR TEAM
Board of Directors & Secretariat
The LUPUS EUROPE board is composed of seven directors who are all either lupus patients themselves or relatives of a lupus patient. They all work on an entirely voluntary basis. Working alongside them the part-time secretariat ensures administrative support.
In addition to the usual directors, LUPUS EUROPE may call on co-opted advisors for specific projects. Again, all co-opted advisors are volunteers.
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Jeanette AndersenChair
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Annemarie SluijmersVice-Chair, Secretary
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Elfriede WijsmaVice-Chair, Treasurer
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Amy SomersBoard Member
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Dalila TremariasBoard Member
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Aldevina SturienėBoard Member
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Ida Daiva PovilaiteBoard Member
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Alain CornetSecretariat
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Zoe Karakikla-MitsakouProject Manager
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Sara BadrehPAN Coordinator
ETHICS & GOVERNANCE
From 2021 LUPUS EUROPE moved and became a Belgium based non-profit organisation. Our Articles of Association can be found here:
And our constitution can be found here: Constitution 2024
LUPUS EUROPE applies the EFPIA (European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations) Code of Good Practice on relationships between the pharmaceutical industry and patients’ organisations. The same Code of Good Practice will be upheld in relation to any funding received from any other source.
With regards to decision making, we highly value our member’s contributions. Every year, our action plan for the next year is reviewed and discussed with our members as a key element of our general meeting. This is also the audience where we discuss significant “policy” matters, items impacting our vision or strategies. decisions at general assembly are made by Majority vote, as foreseen in our statutes.
During the year, the patient voice is gathered to orient our action in specific projects. this is done through our PAN (PAtient Advisory Network), or through on line consultations and surveys. With regards to decisions on the day to day running of the organistaion, decisions are made by majority vote of the board, as foreseen in our “trustee code of conduct”. Staff members attending board meetings, or board members with a conflict of interest, if any, do not vote on such decisions. If significant changes need to be made to our approved plans, the board consults members by email, social media dedicated network or calls or at the occasion of a webinar.
For more, please also read our code of conduct for volunteers or for the Board of Directors and our decision making policy.
The General Assembly is made up of the national delegates who represent their individual countries. The delegate is also very often the international person of contact for that country. The General Assembly meets once a year during the annual LUPUS EUROPE convention. The General Assembly is responsible for tasks such as:
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- nominating qualified people for election to director positions
- electing directors
- setting annual membership subscription rates for both full and associate member organisations
- deciding on amendments to the constitution, on dissolution or on removal of a director
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LUPUS EUROPE ‘s accounts are audited every year by an independent accountant. To read the independent accountant’s report, follow this link. To find our financial report, simply follow this link.
With the financial hardship faced by our members, we have decided to minimise membership fees and contributions, and not to seek funding from individuals or national organisations in members countries. As a result, in 2022, 76.4% of the funds raised by LUPUS EUROPE were provided by the pharmaceutical industry. To maintain its independence, Lupus Europe has fixed a ceiling of maximum 20% of its fund to come from one partner. In 2022, the highest contribution from a single company was reached by Roche with a total of 10.3% of total funds raised.
OUR HISTORY
The story so far
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2021 Headquarters move to Brussels
As Brexit unfolded, we relocated to Brussels, close to many of our partner groups, to ensure an optimal support to all people living with lupus in Europe
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2017 An updated Strategic plan
The convention unanimously adopted LUPUS EUROPE’s revised Strategic plan, including the creation of Pan-European work groups and a Patient Advisory Network. The new structure will allow for more ambitious goals over the next 5 years.
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2015 Establishing a World Lupus Federation
Lupus Europe invited lupus groups from around the world to join its 2015 convention in Vienna, coinciding with the International Congress on lupus, so that a new World Lupus Federation could be created, uniting people with lupus from every continent.
GET INVOLVED
OUR SPONSORS
Our belief is that we need to work alongside pharma, healthcare professionals, academia and other stakeholders in order to achieve our vision. We cannot do this alone.
OUR MEMBERS
The members of LUPUS EUROPE are national and other properly-accredited Lupus Groups in Europe. At this moment 22 countries with 24 organisations representing about 40,000 patients are registered as Full members, and an extra 6 countries are associate members.
