How to manage patients with lupus nephritis.
The clinical and renal biopsy predictors of assistance in determining therapy are reviewed. While pulse cyclophosphamide remains the most effective treatment for proliferative nephritis, there is increasing interest in other agents, such as azathioprine, particularly to maintain remission. While lupus membranous nephropathy has attracted limited study, preliminary work suggests a role for cyclophosphamide. Newer therapies, including cyclosporine A, mycophenolate mofetil, immunoadsorption, intravenous immune globulin, LJP-394, high-dose immunoablation and nucleoside analogues require further study but offer hope for those failing conventional treatments.
Esdaile
John M
JM
Division of Rheumatology, University of British Columbia, Canada.
D006801:Humans; D008181:Lupus Nephritis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'