CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE VERSUS CORTICOSTEROIDS IN TREATMENT OF LUPUS NEPHRITIS

Abstract

The study aimed to compare the therapeutic effects of cyclophosphamide .with corticosteroids in treating lupus nephritis. The study included 30 patients with lupus nephritis, all were admitted to the department of Internal Medicine of Assuit University Hospital and subjected to thorough clinical examination and routine laboratory tests. Laboratory investigations to diagnose SLE and nephritis were done including uine analysis, 24 hours proteins in urine, creatinine clearance, serum C3 & C4, LE cell, ANF and renal biopsy. The patients were randomly divided into two groups; group I (included 17 patients) who

received oral corticosteroid (prdnisone) and group II (included 13 patients) who received parentral cyclophosphamide. We have demonstrated from the study different histopathologic glomerular classes of the disease as mesangial, focal and diffuse proliferative G.N.

There is positive correlation between clinical and histological activity as measured •by ctivity index in proliferative glomerulonephritis, proteinuria and serological activity.

The study revealed that:

• Abnormal urinary sediments and 24 hours proteins increased with disease activity.