Abstract | OBJECTIVES: METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the data of 16 consecutive patients who received the multi-target therapy for active Classes III-V LN at our department. We also compared the outcomes of the multi-target therapy with those of TAC therapy (TAC + steroid), a study of which we had conducted previously in 13 patients with active LN (TAC group). RESULTS: All the patients treated with multi-target therapy achieved complete remission (CR) (mean, 4.6 ± 3.8 months; range, 1-15 months). The clinical profiles of the patients of the multi-target group were similar to those of the TAC group at baseline, except for a significantly higher level of proteinuria (4.6 ± 2.8 vs. 2.5 ± 2.1 g/gCr, p = 0.033) in the former. The CR rate at 6 months was significantly higher in the multi-target group as compared with that in the TAC group (81% vs. 38%, p = 0.018). Two cases of serious adverse events were associated with cytomegalovirus infection in the multi-target group, namely gastric ulcer and pancytopenia, both of which were successfully treated by antiviral therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Multi-target therapy was effective as initial treatment for active LN, with CR achieved early and in a high percentage of patients. Although this therapy was generally well tolerated, it is important to bear in mind the associated risk of cytomegalovirus infection.
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Authors | Hidekazu Ikeuchi, Keiju Hiromura, Satoshi Takahashi, Keiichiro Mishima, Noriyuki Sakurai, Toru Sakairi, Yoriaki Kaneko, Akito Maeshima, Takashi Kuroiwa, Yoshihisa Nojima |
Journal | Modern rheumatology
(Mod Rheumatol)
Vol. 24
Issue 4
Pg. 618-25
(Jul 2014)
ISSN: 1439-7609 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 24252014
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Immunosuppressive Agents
- Prednisolone
- Mycophenolic Acid
- Tacrolimus
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Topics |
- Adult
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Female
- Humans
- Immunosuppressive Agents
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Lupus Nephritis
(drug therapy)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Mycophenolic Acid
(adverse effects, analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
- Prednisolone
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Remission Induction
- Retrospective Studies
- Tacrolimus
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Treatment Outcome
- Young Adult
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