[Cyclosporin therapy of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus].

Seven patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were treated by cyclosporin A (CSA) plus corticosteroids. The indications for treatment were: lupus nephritis refractory to treatment with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide (one patient), nephrosis syndrome or lupus nephritis associated with severe cytopenia and refractory to corticosteroid treatment (5 patients), severe thrombocytopenia refractory to conventional treatments (one patient). The treatment for 6 months of this latter patient resulted in complete remission, lasting for at least 1.5 years. Patients with kidney involvement also responded to therapy. The response manifested within 1 month. Treatment lasted for a mean of 5.1 months (the treatment of one patient was interrupted after 1 month because of lack of cooperation). There were no side effects. CSA treatment in combination with corticosteroids, when properly indicated, may be beneficial in SLE.