Observational studyArthritis & rheumatology (Hoboken, N.J.)2026
Defining Optimally Safe and Effective Blood Levels of Hydroxychloroquine in Lupus: An Important Step Toward Precision Drug Monitoring.
Observational study in Arthritis & rheumatology (Hoboken, N.J.), 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.
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Who cites it
4 citing papers in PubMed.
- Hydroxychloroquine-Induced Retinopathy in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Predictors of Progression Following Drug Discontinuation.Research square · 2026Article
- Bridging the Gap in Hydroxychloroquine Monitoring for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Evidence, Limitations, and Future Directions.International journal of rheumatic diseases · 2026Article
- Increasing the utilisation of hydroxychloroquine blood level testing in lupus: a quality improvement project.Lupus science & medicine · 2026Article
- Toward Optimal Dosing in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: The Case for Hydroxychloroquine Blood Level Monitoring.Arthritis care & research · 2026Article
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Authors and funding
43 authors.
Funding
Abstract
objectiveUsing a hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) dose of 5 mg/kg/day in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with a higher risk of flares; HCQ blood level monitoring could be a better way to adjust the HCQ dose. We studied the upper threshold for a reference range of HCQ levels to inform routine monitoring.
methodsThis observational study included patients (N = 2,010) across the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics, Wisconsin, international, and French studies who underwent HCQ blood level measurements. Using adjusted spline and logistic regression analyses on the cross-sectional data, we first identified an HCQ blood level associated with higher HCQ toxicity. Next, we tested if this upper threshold level was supratherapeutic (no further risk reduction for the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 [score ≥6]). Finally, we examined associations between chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage and supratherapeutic (toxic) HCQ blood levels.
resultsAmong 1,842 patients (excluding 168 patients with very low HCQ blood levels), 4.9% had HCQ-related toxicity. Odds of toxicity were 2.1-fold higher with blood levels ≥1,150 ng/mL and 1.7-fold higher with the cumulative HCQ dose per 1,000-g increase. Blood levels ≥1,150 ng/mL were associated with a saturation in therapeutic effect, indicating supratherapeutic levels. Patients with CKD stage ≥3 had 2.3-fold higher odds of having supratherapeutic levels (≥1,150 ng/mL).
conclusionThe therapeutic reference range for HCQ blood level monitoring is 750 to <1,150 ng/mL. HCQ level monitoring could optimize HCQ use, particularly in patients with CKD stage ≥3. Future longitudinal studies are needed to validate the use of HCQ blood level monitoring in optimizing dosing.
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