Two cases of bullous systemic lupus erythematosus treated successfully with T2 and low-dose corticosteroids

Abstract

Two female patients presented with bullous cutaneous lupus on sun-exposed areas and synovitis, and tested positive for antinuclear antibodies, anti-Smith (anti-Sm), anti-dsDNA, and low complement levels. Case 2 also suffered oral ulcers. Thus, diagnoses of bullous systemic lupus erythematosus (BSLE) were made. Both patients responded distinctly to Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosidium (T2; 60 mg/day) combined with oral prednisone (30-40 mg/day), which showed efficacy in 1-2 weeks and produced no side effects. Therefore, T2 combined with low-dose corticosteroids may be an effective and highly tolerable alternative for treating BSLE.