[Manifestation of diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis in a patient treated with long-term mycophenolate mofetil].
METHODS
A now 34-year old female patient with long-standing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) had successfully been treated with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) because of former pleuropericardial and pulmonal lupus manifestations when she was admitted with edema for the first time.


METHODS
Laboratory investigations of urine and blood showed findings compatible with lupus nephritis. Kidney biopsy revealed lupus nephritis type IV.


METHODS
Despite the initiation of cyclophosphamide bolus and corticosteroid therapy, the kidney function and renal hypertension worsened and the patient developed cerebral manifestations. Finally, synchronization of plasmapheresis with subsequent pulse cyclophosphamide led to remission of SLE.


CONCLUSIONS
Although MMF is a promising innovative agent for induction and maintenance therapy of lupus nephritis that can be used instead of cyclophosphamide, there may be cases like the one reported here, in which MMF cannot prevent lupus flares in first manifestation of severe renal disease.
Sixdorf
U
U
Klinik Innere Medizin IV (SP Rheumatologie, Klinische Immunologie und Nephrologie), HSK Dr. Horst Schmidt Klinik GmbH.
Bauer
H
H
Märker-Hermann
E
E
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007668:Kidney / Q000473:pathology; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008181:Lupus Nephritis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D020945:Lupus Vasculitis, Central Nervous System / Q000175:diagnosis; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010956:Plasmapheresis; D020551:Pulse Therapy, Drug; D012074:Remission Induction; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid