Efficacy and safety of treatment with Leflunomide for lupus nephritis (LN) failed from cyclophosphamide (CTX) treatment

[Objective] To discuss the efficacy and safety of treatment with Leflunomide for lupus nephritis(LN) failed from the treatment of cyclophosphamide.[Methods] Forty-three patients with LN,who had failed intermittent cyclophosphamide(CTX) intravenous treatment or had relapsed or withdraw because of adverse reactions,had received the LEF treatment for 12 months.The change of clinical efficacy and immunology indexes were assessed.And the occurrence ratio of adverse reaction was recorded.[Results] After one month of LEF treatment,the urine protein was significantly reduced,serum albumin increased,and anti-dsDNA antibody and SLEDAI decreased gradually after 3-6 months.The difference,compared with that of pre-treatment,was significant.The incidence of side-effects of LEF was less than that of pre-treatments(28% vs 74.4%).[Conclusion] LEF treatment for refractory LN patients who had failed intermittent CTX is effective,the adverse events are not serious.