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Kidney Week

Abstract: FR-PO0876

Long-Term Outcome of Lupus Nephritis in Patients Treated with Cellcept (MMF)- vs. Cyclophosphamide (CYP)-Based Regimens

Session Information

Category: Glomerular Diseases

  • 1402 Glomerular Diseases: Clinical, Outcomes, and Therapeutics

Authors

  • Alquaiz, Rawan, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia
  • Alsulaim, Abdullah Saleh, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia
  • Albulayhid, Ghadah, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia
  • Alshahrani, Manal Abdullah, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia
  • Alshuqaybi, Hassan M, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia
  • Elfar, Ahmed F., King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia
  • Mohamed, Gamal, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia
Background

Lupus nephritis (LN) remains a significant cause of morbidity and progression to end-stage renal disease. While CYP and MMF are established induction therapies, their long-term comparative outcomes, especially in the Saudi population are limited.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study analyzed 121 biopsy-proven proliferative LN patients at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre between 2011–2023. Patients were grouped based on induction therapy: CYP vs MMF. Primary outcome was response rates (complete, partial, no response) at 6 months, 1, 3, and 5 years. This response was defined according to KDIGO guidelines.

Results

The cohort was predominantly female (87.6%), with Class IV LN being most common (41.3%). 55.9% received CYP and 44.1% received MMF. Complete remission at 6 months was 56%, and 80% at 5 years. Complete remission rates was better for CYP at 1 year (P= 0.04), but this effect disappeared at 5 years (P=0.6). Relapse rates were 3% at 6 months, 8.7% at 1 year, 8.6% at 3 years, and 8.8% at 5 years. Both therapies demonstrated sustained remission and low relapse over five years

Conclusion

Both CYP and MMF are effective induction therapies for LN, with sustained remission and low relapse rates over five years. Long-term renal survival appears comparable, supporting MMF as a safe, long-term maintenance option.

Remission rates CYP VS MMF
DurationInduction agentsComplete RemissionPartial RemissionNo response
6 monthsCYP

MMF
24 (48.9%)

24 (64.8%)
20 (40.8%)

7 (18.9%) P = 0.03
5 (10.2%)

6 (16.2%)
1 yearCYP

MMF
28 (56%)

29 (76.3%) P =0.04
16 (32%)

6 (15.7%)
6 (12%)

3 (7.8%)
5 yearsCYP

MMF
32 (78%)

20 (83.3%) P=0.6
6 (14.6%)

3 (12.5%)
3 (7.3%)

1 (4.1%)

P: P Value

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)