Pro: Cyclophosphamide in lupus nephritis

Abstract

Based on efficacy and toxicity considerations, both low-dose pulse cyclophosphamide as part of the Euro-Lupus Nephritis protocol and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) with corticosteroids may be considered for induction of remission in patients with proliferative lupus nephritis. The long-term follow-up data available for low-dose pulse cyclophosphamide, the fact that compliance is guaranteed with this regimen and economic issues all favour the Euro-Lupus regimen in this author's opinion. For maintenance treatment, either azathioprine (AZA) or MMF may be used; AZA is preferred in case pregnancy is planned, while MMF is preferred when the disease relapses during use of AZA and, possibly, after successful induction of remission with MMF.