Effect of low-dose cyclosporin A on systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of low-dose cyclosporin A (CSA) treatment on disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).


METHODS
All patients in the study had active disease as defined by at least the presence of a low CH50 level. Patients were initially given 3 mg/kg/day of CSA. Dosages were adjusted individually at every visit, according to both clinical and laboratory data.


RESULTS
Eleven women with SLE were enrolled in the study; 10 were evaluable. After 20 weeks of CSA treatment, the mean score for disease activity on the SLE Disease Activity Index decreased significantly, from 10.6 to 3.8 (P = 0.02). The titer of antinuclear antibodies decreased in 8 patients and the level of anti-DNA antibodies decreased in 5. Side effects included hypertension (40%), hypertrichosis (30%), gingival hypertrophy (10%), and a rise in the blood urea nitrogen level. Serum creatinine levels remained unchanged.


CONCLUSIONS
The favorable responses observed in our patients strongly suggest that low-dose CSA can reduce the disease activity of SLE.
Tokuda
M
M
First Department of Internal Medicine, Kagawa Medical School, Japan.
Kurata
N
N
Mizoguchi
A
A
Inoh
M
M
Seto
K
K
Kinashi
M
M
Takahara
J
J
D000328:Adult; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D016572:Cyclosporine