Successful treatment of optic neuropathy in association with systemic lupus erythematosus using intravenous cyclophosphamide.
BACKGROUND
Optic neuropathy is a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In a previous series most patients with optic neuropathy in association with SLE had a final visual acuity of 20/200 or less despite corticosteroid therapy.


METHODS
Three patients (five affected eyes) with severe retrobulbar optic neuropathy in association with SLE were treated promptly with intravenous cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids.


RESULTS
All patients recovered excellent visual acuity.


CONCLUSIONS
Although optic neuropathy in association with SLE might have several different aetiologies, intravenous cyclophosphamide should be strongly considered as a therapeutic alternative.
Rosenbaum
J T
JT
Oregon Health Sciences University, Casey Eye Institute, Portland 97201, USA.
Simpson
J
J
Neuwelt
C M
CM
D000328:Adult; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009896:Optic Atrophy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000187:drug effects
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D003520:Cyclophosphamide