ISSN:
1437-7799
Keywords:
Key words Cyclosporin A
;
Nephrotic syndrome
;
Lupus nephritis
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Background. Steroids have been used for patients with some histologic groups of lupus nephritis with/without nephrotic-range proteinuria. However, many patients exhibit steroid-resistance, steroid-dependence, and/or frequent relapse, and there are many adverse effects. Recently, cyclosporin (CsA) has been reported to be effective for steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome; however, with high-dose use, it produces specific adverse effects, especially nephrotoxicity. Here, we report results with the administration of low-dose CsA to patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods. We treated three patients with steroid-resistant lupus nephritis with CsA (80–100 ng/ml blood trough level) for 6 months, and investigated the effect of CsA on lupus nephritis and SLE activity. Results. Mean pretreatment and posttreatment values for both 24-h urine protein excretion and total protein improved after treatment. Furthermore, SLE disease activity index scores, and levels of complements, anti-unclear antibody (ANA), anti-DNA antibody, and immune complexes in the three patients also improved. Conclusions. Our results support the idea that low-dose CsA is effective for nephrotic-range proteinuria caused by lupus nephritis, and show that this treatment may decrease SLE activity, without producing severe adverse effects.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s101570070033
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