Thiamphenicol as an immunosuppressant in active systemic lupus erythematosus with nephritis.

Thirteen patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and biopsy proven nephropathy were treated with thiamphenicol for two weeks. Laboratory indices of SLE disease activity (antinuclear factor, complement activity and ESR) were improved after the course of treatment in half of the patients and did not change significantly in the rest. Thiamphenicol may have value as an alternative to currently popular immunosuppressive drugs in the management of systemic lupus erythematosus.