RESULTS OF RESISTANT PROLIFERATIVE LUPUS NEPHRITIS TREATMENT WITH CYCLOSPORINE A

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease
characterized by various autoantibodies formation and immune complex deposition in various organs.
Lupus nephritis is a common and severe manifestation of SLE that can lead to end stage renal disease
and death. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of cyclosporine A in the treatment
of resistant proliferative lupus nephritis.
Materials & Methods: In a retrospective study, patients with proliferative lupus nephritis that were
resistant to treatment with mycophenolate mofetil and/or cyclophosphamide and treated with
cyclosporine A were entered to the study. They were evaluated according to the remission of the renal
disease, SLE disease activity index, occurrence of end stage renal disease, mortality and side effects of
treatment.
Results: Twenty-five patients with biopsy proven proliferative lupus nephritis with the mean age of
30±6.9 years including 5 men (20%) and 20 women (80%) were studied. The follow up duration was
27.1±17.6 months. Proteinuria was decreased significantly during the treatment with CSA (p<0.001).
Serum creatinine was stable and the changes were not significant. Partial or complete remission occurred
in 60% and 32% of the patients, respectively. Prednisolone dose was reduced from 26.3 mg/d before
treatment to 6.8 mg/d after treatment with CSA (P=0.001). The most common adverse event was
dyspepsia.
Conclusion: According to results of our study, CSA is effective in treatment of proliferative lupus
nephritis