To summarise the evidence from randomised controlled trials for the effectiveness and safety of DMARDs in the treatment of juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus, specifically:

1. To quantify the effects of DMARDs on disease activity, health related quality of life, risk of permanent organ damage and steroid dose.
2. To determine what serious adverse events are associated with DMARDs (using evidence from randomised controlled trials only).  
3. To report on the tolerability of DMARDs.