title: Successful treatment of optic neuropathy in association with systemic lupus erythematosus using intravenous cyclophosphamide.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Oregon Health Sciences University, Casey Eye Institute, Portland 97201, USA.
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Rosenbaum
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Simpson
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Neuwelt
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D003520:Cyclophosphamide