Background & Aims: 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 was 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 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 changes was not significant. Complete renal remission and partial renal remission was occurred in 60% and 32% of 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 the treatment of proliferative lupus nephritis.

SOURCE: URMIA MED J 2016: 27(2): 129 ISSN: 1027-3727