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Mycophenolate mofetil prevents the development of a clinical relapse in SLE patients at risk: an open pilot study
Arthritis Research & Therapy volume 4, Article number: 104 (2002)
Background
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterised by the presence of antibodies to double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). These antibodies are supposedly involved in the pathogenesis of SLE. Eighty percent of patients develop a clinical relapse within 10 weeks after a significant rise in anti-dsDNA level. This can be prevented by the administration of corticosteroids at the time of rise in anti-dsDNA. We hypothesise that administration of mofetil mycophenolate (MMF) will have similar effects without the side effects of corticosteroids.
Methods
SLE patients (n = 36) were followed monthly for a rise in levels of anti-dsDNA, defined as exceeding 125% of the level of the previous sample, and amounting at least 15 E/ml within a 4-month period. At the time of a rise patients started with 2000 mg MMF daily for a period of 6 months. Patients were monitored monthly for the occurrence of a clinical relapse and to assess serological activity and state of activation of CD4+, CD8+ and CD19+ lymphocyte subsets.
Results
In 10 patients a serological relapse was encountered. All patients started MMF and completed a 6 months study period without the occurrence of a clinical relapse. Side effects were minimal. Antibodies to dsDNA decreased during the study period (P < 0.001) associated with a decrease in activation of CD19+ lymphocytes. No difference in the state of activation of CD4+ or CD8+ lymphocyte subsets could be demonstrated.
Conclusion
Administration of MMF after a rise of antibodies to dsDNA prevents the occurrence of clinical relapses of SLE and is well tolerated.
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Bijl, M., Horst, G., Bootsma, H. et al. Mycophenolate mofetil prevents the development of a clinical relapse in SLE patients at risk: an open pilot study. Arthritis Res Ther 4 (Suppl 1), 104 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1186/ar439
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/ar439
Keywords
- Public Health
- Corticosteroid
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Pilot Study
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patient