Low-dose Combination of Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) and Tacrolimus (Tac) for Refractory Lupus Nephritis

Low-dose Combination of Mycophenolate Mofetil and Tacrolimus for Refractory Lupus Nephritis: a 12-month Prospective Study

A trial of combination of two drugs for the treatment of refractory lupus nephritis.

Low-dose combination of mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus for refractory lupus nephritis: a 12-month prospective study

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Active nephritis documented by renal biopsy within 24 months of entry;
2. Failure to respond to 2 or more immunosuppressive regimens which consisted of high-dose prednisolone combined with other non-corticosteroid immunosuppressive agents together with ACE inhibitors plus or minus angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) for at least 4 months for each regimen at the maximally tolerated drug dosages;
3. Serum creatinine (Scr) less than 200umol/L.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Previous intolerance to either MMF/Tac;
2. Scr >200umol/L;
3. Informed consent unavailable.