The treatment of lupus nephritis by methyl prednisolone pulse therapy

Abstract

Four patients with proliferative glomerulonephritis due to systemic lupus erythematosus were treated with intravenous methyl prednisolone 'pulse' therapy. In all, eight courses of therapy were given, three for acute oliguric renal failure; and on each occasion there was a good response to the treatment. Clinical, histological and immunological details of the patients are presented. The diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of disease activity in lupus nephritis are discussed in the light of this experience.