Cyclosporine in the Treatment of Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

<h3>To the Editor.—</h3> Cyclosporine is reported to interfere with T-cell function, ie, the expression of helper T-cell function and the capacity of T cells to synthesize and release lymphokines.¹Although the clinical response might be very variable, treatment with cyclosporine appears to be of value in some patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.¹ In discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), the immunologic skin injury in situ is closely related to the presence and function of helper T cells and cytotoxicsuppressor T cells.²From a hypothetical view, therefore, the possible effectiveness of cyclosporine as an addition to conventional therapy might be investigated. <h3>Report of a Case.—</h3> A 27-year-old woman with a bodyweight of 57 kg had skin lesions that were clinically typical of DLE for ten years. During the last three years, severe, mutilating, and progressive lesions developed on her face. Histologic and direct immunofluorescence examinations revealed data that led conclusively