Lupus Nephritis Maintenance Trials (Revision)

OK, yesterday I posted on Induction trials. Now lets look at Maintenance of LN.

Remember the name ....
Contreras et al.
n=59
After induction with IV CYC (4-7 monthly doses),
split into 3 arms:
1) continue IV CYC (3-monthly doses)- 2 years
2) Azathioprine (1-3mg/kg/day)- 2 years
3) MMF (0.5-3gm/day) - 2 years

IV CYC arm : more reached end point (death/CRF) compared to Aza or MMF
Aza and MMF arms : more relapse-free survival
Mortality increased with IV CYC

Limitations : large % of Hispanics/Blacks

... Watch out for upcoming trial MAINTAIN Nephritis Trial (comparing aza to MMF as maintenance)