05.21.2025

Disease-Modifying Treatment Considerations in Patients at the End-of-Life with Rheumatic Diseases

Systemic rheumatic diseases (SRDs) refer to autoimmune disorders that can affect multiple organ systems, like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and inclusion body myositis. These diseases can contribute to a terminal process as a comorbid illness or be fatal themselves. The decision of whether to continue, stop, or switch disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for patients with SRDs at the end of life is complex. This Fast Fact will provide a brief overview of considerations relevant to determining the appropriateness of DMARDs at the end of life.

Link: Fast Facts #504 (04/2025)