Pulse Cyclophosphamide in Severe Lupus Nephritis: Southern Indian Experience

The study evaluated the efficacy and safety of monthly pulse IV cyclophosphamide (IVC) therapy in 39 patients with severe lupus nephritis in Southern India from 1998 to 2002. The majority of patients were female, with a mean age of 25.6 years. Clinical presentations included nephrotic syndrome, acute glomerulonephritis, and rapidly progressive renal failure. After a mean follow-up of 15.8 months, 44.8% of patients achieved complete remission, 24.1% partial remission, and 31.0% did not respond to the therapy. Side effects included vomiting, nausea, and hair loss. The study concluded that IVC was effective in treating severe lupus nephritis in Indian patients, though longer follow-up was needed.