Intravenous cyclophosphamide in lupus nephritis

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic disorder of the immune system that affects persons of all ages. Figures released by the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. indicate that approximately 15,000 new cases of SLE are diagnosed each year. This number includes discoid lupus, which is confined to the skin; drug-induced lupus, which manifests SLE-type symptoms that fade when the implicated drug is discontinued; and SLE, which causes inflammation in a number of organs. Of the three types of lupus, only SLE can lead to life-threatening central nervous system and/or renal involvement. By the 1960s, lupus nephritis and progressive renal disease emerged as dominant factors in SLE patient morbidity, and kidney failure had become the most common cause of death. This manifestation is presently treated with intravenous cyclophosphamide, which improves survival and preserves renal function.