Rome, February 11, 2026 – Individuals with lupus often face significant hurdles in accessing timely and appropriate care, leading to worsening health outcomes, according to Rosa Pelissero, president of the Italian Lupus Group (Gruppo Les Italiano). The findings stem from a recent analysis of patient experiences, published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine and highlight the critical need for faster diagnosis and more equitable access to specialized treatment.
The study, titled ‘Italian Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Sle) Patients: Overview of Their Quality of Life and Unmet Needs,’ revealed that many patients encounter a “pathway of obstacles” before reaching a multidisciplinary care center. This delay can exacerbate their condition and negatively impact their overall well-being. Early and consistent care is particularly important, as lupus can have a profound impact on a patient’s life, especially for young women.
“Lupus often affects young women, between the ages of 15 and 40, a time when establishing a career is particularly challenging,” Pelissero explained. “Those living with the disease often have to work twice as hard to prove their capabilities, whereas the illness itself remains largely invisible, and chronic fatigue – a deep exhaustion that persists even during periods of remission – is often misunderstood.”
Geographical disparities in healthcare access similarly contribute to the problem, with some patients forced to travel long distances to receive adequate treatment. However, prompt medical intervention can significantly alter the course of the disease. “If lupus affects a kidney, it requires immediate attention to prevent the need for a transplant,” Pelissero emphasized. “Crucially, managing pregnancy in patients with lupus also requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving rheumatologists, nephrologists, and obstetric specialists.”
Pelissero also underscored the economic benefits of early intervention. “While treating a lupus patient can be costly, providing timely access to care allows individuals to remain active in the workforce and reduces the overall burden on the healthcare system,” she stated. “The relationship between costs and benefits ultimately represents an advantage not only for the patient but also for society as a whole.”
These findings underscore the importance of addressing systemic barriers to care for individuals living with lupus, a complex autoimmune disease that requires specialized and coordinated medical attention. Improving access to early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment could significantly improve the quality of life for those affected and reduce the long-term healthcare costs associated with the condition.
