Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous cyclophosphamide pulse therapy
in patients with optic neuritis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten consecutive patients with optic neuritis due to SLE whose
condition was refractory to corticosteroids and oral immunosuppressants were treated
with intravenous cyclophosphamide (0.5 to 1.0 g/m2) monthly for 6 months.
RESULTS: All patients had bilateral eye involvement. One eye was legally blind, and
13 eyes could see only hand movements or count fingers. Six patients had evidence
of the secondary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. Complete recovery in visual acuity
occurred in 10 eyes (50%), and a partial response occurred in six eyes (30%); four
eyes (20%) had no response. Complete response in the field tests occurred in eight
eyes (40%), with a partial response in nine eyes (45%); no improvement occurred in
three eyes (15%).
CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous cyclophosphamide pulse therapy seems to be an effective treatment
for optic neuritis refractory to corticosteroids, oral immunosuppressants, or both.
A randomized controlled trial will be necessary to confirm our results.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 16, 2004
Accepted:
August 21,
1998
Received in revised form:
August 21,
1998
Received:
February 27,
1998
Identification
Copyright
© 1999 Excerpta Medica Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
