[The efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil for systemic lupus erythematosus].

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is usually treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents. However, some patients are refractory to these agents, others show adverse effects. Usefulness of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in SLE has been reported in several studies. In this study, we evaluated the clinical efficacy and adverse effects of MMF in SLE. Sixteen cases which were difficult to reduce the dose of corticosteroid, resistant to immunosuppressive agents or could not use them for adverse effects were treated with MMF. Thirteen cases were females and three were males. Mean age was 44.4+/-9.2 year-old. Mean duration of SLE was 12.5+/-6.9 years. Mean observational duration was 12.0+/-5.5 months. Mean maintenance dose of MMF was 1.95+/-0.61 g/day. Good clinical response was obtained in 69% of total cases. In laboratory data, serum IgG (p<0.05) decreased and the levels of serum albumin (p<0.01) and complement (p<0.05) increased significantly. Adverse effects, mainly infections, were observed, but severe infection was not experienced. This study suggests that MMF is effective and relatively safe for SLE.