Summary
In a prospective study, the effect of azathioprine on the clinical course and the anti-dsDNA profile was evaluated in 17 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). During this prospective longitudinal study, exacerbations were never observed. Three periods of continuous anti-dsDNA increases with a doubling time (T2) shorter than 10 weeks were noted. Both the clinical symptoms and the anti-dsDNA levels improved after the administration of azathioprine. These results necessitate a careful double-blind trial for the use of this drug to prevent SLE exacerbations.
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Swaak, A.J.G., Statius Van Eps, L.W., Aarden, L.A. et al. Azathioprine in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. A three-year prospective study. Clin Rheumatol 3, 285–291 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02032333
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02032333