|
MONDAY, Oct. 27 (HealthDayNews) -- An immunosuppressive
drug called mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) may provide improved treatment
for people with a kidney disorder called lupus nephritis, which
affects many who have systemic lupus erythematosus.
A study presented over the weekend at the American College of
Rheumatology's annual meeting in Orlando found MMF was as effective
as standard treatment for lupus nephritis with potentially fewer
side effects.
The 24-week study included 140 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
who had advanced stages of lupus nephritis. One group of 71 patients
received MMF while those in the second group received intravenous
cyclophosphamide (IVC), the traditional front-line treatment.
Of the 130 patients who completed the study, 52 of 66 patients
receiving MMF completed the entire 24 weeks, compared with 38 of
the 64 people on IVC.
Among those on MMF, 14 experienced complete remission and 21 had
partial remission, compared with four complete remissions and 14
partial remissions among those on IVC.
Severe infections were also less common in patients receiving
MMF.
"The results of this study support the conclusion that treatment
with MMF is an appropriate alternative to IVC for induction therapy
of severe lupus nephritis," lead researcher Dr. Ellen Ginzler,
a professor of medicine and chief of rheumatology at State University
of New York, says in a news release.
"Lupus patients and their physicians have the opportunity
to consider lifestyle options and possible medication side effects
in the selection of a treatment regimen for lupus nephritis,"
Ginzler says.
|
Message
Boards
