What is lupus arthritis

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissues. Joints are affected in 90% of SLE patients — this is one of the earliest and most common symptoms. Lupus arthritis is usually non-erosive (unlike rheumatoid), but prolonged disease can lead to deformity — Jaccoud's arthropathy.

Autoimmune inflammation

Anti-DNA antibodies and immune complexes deposit in the synovial membrane, causing chronic inflammation. Unlike RA, cartilage destruction is slow — but accumulates over time.

Ligament damage

Lupus damages ligaments and joint capsule — leading to instability and subluxations. Jaccoud's arthropathy: deformity without erosions — "reducible" but painful.

Osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis)

Consequence of steroid therapy and antiphospholipid syndrome. Affects femoral heads, knee joints. Requires early intervention to preserve the joint. → Learn more

Tendinitis & tendon ruptures

Lupus weakens tendons — increased risk of spontaneous ruptures (especially Achilles, rotator cuff). MIBRAR® strengthens tendon tissue. → Learn more

Forms of joint involvement in SLE

Non-erosive polyarthritis (90%)

Symmetric involvement of small joints of hands, wrists, knees. Morning stiffness >30 minutes. Swelling, tenderness. X-ray — no erosions (unlike RA). Migratory pain pattern.

Jaccoud's arthropathy (5–15%)

Joint deformity without bone erosions: ulnar deviation, "swan neck," Z-deformity of thumb. Reducible — but progresses without treatment. Cause — ligament and capsule damage.

Erosive arthritis "Rhupus" (1–5%)

Rare overlap of SLE and RA: true erosions on X-ray + seropositivity for RF and ACPA. More aggressive course. Requires combined baseline therapy.

Avascular necrosis (10–30%)

Consequence of steroid therapy and APS. Most common — femoral heads. Groin pain on walking. MRI detects early stages. MIBRAR® can halt progression at stage I–II.

Diagnosis of lupus arthritis

Laboratory activity assessment

SLEDAI-2K (SLE activity index). Anti-dsDNA, complement C3/C4, ESR, CRP. MIBRAR® procedure is performed only with SLEDAI <6 and normal complement.

Joint ultrasound

Visualization of synovitis, effusion, tenosynovitis. Power Doppler — assessment of inflammation activity. Dynamic monitoring of treatment effectiveness. Used for targeted injections.

MRI

Early diagnosis of avascular necrosis (before X-ray). Assessment of cartilage, ligaments, meniscus. Differential diagnosis with RA (erosions). Mandatory before Lipogems® decision.

Radiography

Exclusion of erosions, assessment of deformity in Jaccoud's arthropathy. Staging of avascular necrosis by Ficat. Follow-up monitoring (every 12 months).

Lupus arthritis treatment with MIBRAR®

MIBRAR® does not replace SLE baseline therapy (hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate). The procedure is performed only during stable remission and in coordination with a rheumatologist. Goal — local regeneration of joints damaged by years of disease.

CGF into affected joints

Concentrated growth factor injections into joints with chronic synovitis. Stimulates regeneration of cartilage and synovial membrane. 2–3 procedures at 4–6 week intervals.

Lipogems® for destruction

Microfragmented adipose tissue — source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Immunomodulatory effect + cartilage regeneration. Indicated for avascular necrosis stage I–II and severe chondropathy.

PRP for ligaments & tendons

Strengthening weakened ligamentous apparatus in Jaccoud's arthropathy. Targeted injections into capsule and ligaments under ultrasound guidance. Joint stabilization without surgery.

Immunomodulatory effect of MSCs

MSCs from Lipogems® do not suppress immunity — they modulate it. Reduce local inflammation through IL-10 and TGF-β secretion. Do not increase systemic lupus activity.

70%+Pain & stiffness reduction
2–3Procedures per course
0Systemic immunosuppression
12+ moEffect duration

Lupus joints can be restored

Send your test results and MRI — we'll assess the possibility of MIBRAR® for your form of SLE.

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Safety & contraindications

When MIBRAR® can be performed

SLEDAI <6, normal complement (C3, C4), stable baseline therapy dose >3 months, no active nephritis or serositis. Rheumatologist coordination mandatory.

Absolute contraindications

Active lupus nephritis (class III–V). Thrombotic APS in acute phase. SLEDAI >6. Decreased complement. Active infection. Oncology.

Relative contraindications

Anticoagulant use (discontinue 3–5 days prior). Thrombocytopenia <50×10⁹/L. High steroid doses (>20 mg prednisone) — reduce first. Recent baseline therapy change (<3 months).

Why autologous cells are safe

Patient's own cells are used (blood for CGF, adipose tissue for Lipogems®) — no immune conflict risk. MSCs have immunomodulatory, not immunostimulatory effect. Numerous studies confirm safety in autoimmune diseases.

Frequently asked questions

Can lupus arthritis be treated with regenerative therapy?

Yes, with controlled SLE activity. MIBRAR® supplements baseline therapy with local joint regeneration.

Are stem cells safe in lupus?

Autologous cells are safe — no immune conflict. MSCs regulate inflammation rather than stimulate immunity.

When is the procedure contraindicated?

Active lupus (SLEDAI >6), nephritis, decreased complement, thrombotic APS. First — remission.

How is the procedure performed?

Blood or adipose tissue collection, processing, targeted injection into joints under ultrasound guidance. Outpatient, 30–60 minutes.

How many procedures are needed?

2–3 CGF sessions at 4–6 week intervals. For destruction — single Lipogems®. Maintenance every 12 months.