Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the effectiveness and safety of mycophenolate mofetil in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus who were inadequately controlled with corticosteroids, antimalarials, and other immunosuppressive agents.

METHODS:

Ten patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were treated with 1500-2000 mg mycophenolae mofetil (MMF) daily for a median observation time of 11. 2+/-2.4 (8-16) months in an open clinical trial. The effectiveness and safety of treatment were analyzed using an established disease activity score, clinical status, and laboratory parameters.

RESULTS:

All patients improved under treatment with no or only minor side effects. The disease activity score (SLAM) decreased statistically significantly from a median of 15.6+/-5.5 to 9.9+/-4.1 after three months (P<0.01) and to 8.0+/-3.3 after six months (P<0.01). Hematologic parameters did not change significantly whereas a reduction of inflammatory markers was observed. Four patients with SLE-nephritis already treated with cyclophosphamide pulse therapy continuously showed a slight improvement of renal function. Prednisolone dosages could be reduced significantly from a median level of 10.0+/-5.1 mg/d before treatment to 4.6+/-3.5 mg/d after six months (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION:

Mycophenolate mofetil is a promising option in immunosuppressive treatment of patients with moderate and severe systemic lupus erythematosus who did not show a satisfactory response to other immunosuppressives.