On February 19th, 2024, the 2nd Winter School on Pediatric Rheumatology’s “Interdisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus in children” started with the support of the Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology of the NCJSC «SMU».The organizer of the event was acting Associate Professor of the Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology Rymbaeva T. Kh. with the participation of Assistant Professor of the Department of Pediatrics and Medical Rehabilitation named after Tussupova D.M. Imanmadieva D.M. The topics of the reports by residents of the specialties “Rheumatology for adults, children,” “Pediatrics,” and “Nephrology for adults and children” drew on modern data on the etiology, pathogenesis, and epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (hereinafter SLE). The issues of diagnosing SLE were covered in detail, with a description of each research method and an assessment of the level of reliability of evidence and the level of credibility of recommendations. The clinical criteria of the disease, aspects of differential diagnosis and quality criteria for diagnosing SLE were separately reflected.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a disease of inflammatory origin associated with the production of autoimmune antibodies and immune complexes to the tissues of one’s own body. In children, it usually develops during puberty. 44–70% of patients with this disease, which begins in childhood, develop lupus nephritis, a serious complication that affects the survival and quality of life of patients. Issues of diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of the course of the disease in children with SLE complicated by lupus nephritis remain an urgent problem in pediatrics and pediatric rheumatology.

One day was devoted to the analysis of the clinical case of a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus, who was hospitalized in the pediatric department of the NCJSC «SMU». Using this case history as an example, the problems of early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with SLE and lupus nephritis were raised in accordance with international recommendations.

An integrated approach was used, combining the development of theoretical material and the development of practical skills in the learning process.This made it possible to improve the following competencies of residents in working with patients:

– management of patients with SLE in real clinical practice;

– determination of the degree of SLE activity using the SLEDAI 2K index and assessment of organ damage using the SLICC index for SLE;

– analysis of damage to internal organs, including kidneys, which determine the severity and prognosis of the disease;

– analysis of the mechanisms of disease development and pathological processes in the kidneys in SLE;

– application of the EULAR/ACR 2019 SLE Classification Criteria and the morphological classification of lupus nephritis of the International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society – ISN/RPS 2003;

– interpretation of the results of immunological studies of organ-specific autoantibodies;

– substantiation of the principles of pathogenetic therapy of SLE and prevention of its exacerbations;

– carrying out a multidisciplinary individualized approach to the management of patients with SLE.

Thus, a huge amount of information was covered at the school, and a significant number of issues were discussed. The winter school, which lasted until February 29, left vivid impressions and an indispensable desire among residents for further continuation.

Upon completion of the training, participants were given certificates.