How can involvement of the kidneys and central nervous system be treated?
A. When patients have severe forms of lupus that involve the internal organs, such as the kidney and central nervous system, frequently they are treated with corticosteroid therapy during the acute phase. On a longer term basis patients may be treated nowadays with monthly intravenous doses of cyclophosphomide (Cytoxan) and then converted to oral Cytoxan after one year or more. Some patients have also been treated with intravenous gamma-globulin.
