[35, 44] The recommended target dose for MMF during the induction phase is 1.5–2 g daily in Asian patients, and it is advisable not to reduce

the daily dose of MMF to below 1.5 g within the first year, and not to go below 1 g daily within the second year. When MMF is used as induction treatment, caution should be exercised when its treatment duration is shorter CP-673451 purchase than 24 months in view of the reported association with increased risk of relapse.[35] Preliminary data suggest that dual immunosuppression with corticosteroids and tacrolimus or triple immunosuppression with corticosteroids, MMF at reduced dose, and tacrolimus may be effective treatments for Class III/IV nephritis or concomitant Class III/IV and Class V disease. Long-term data with these treatment regimens are awaited. The safety of calcineurin inhibitors during pregnancy is an added advantage. For the treatment of Class V LN, members of the ALNN agreed on the following: The threshold for immunosuppressive treatment is proteinuria ≥ 2 g/day in patients with normal renal function and inactive lupus serology, while a lower threshold may apply in patients with evidence

of deterioration in proteinuria or renal function or active lupus serology. Immunosuppressive treatment for pure Class V LN with heavy proteinuria should be a combination of corticosteroids and either CYC, AZA, MMF, or a calcineurin inhibitor. In view of individual variations in pharmacokinetics, blood level monitoring is important in patients treated with calcineurin inhibitors

to ensure adequate drug exposure and to prevent drug-induced adverse effects such as nephrotoxicity. Anticoagulation should be considered in selleck chemicals patients with persistent heavy proteinuria, especially when additional pro-thrombotic risk factors are present concomitantly. Control of hypertension and risk factors such as dyslipidaemia and diabetes mellitus is important to prevent accelerated vascular complications. Progress in the management of LN over the past two decades has translated into improved renal and patient survival rates. With prompt HSP90 diagnosis and treatment, the long-term outcome of Asian patients appears more favorable than patients of African or Hispanic descent. Different effective immunosuppressive treatment options are now available, which facilitates individualization of treatment to optimize the efficacy-vs-risk balance. Socio-economic factors remain obstacles in the access to optimal care. In addition to immunosuppression, the importance of adjunctive treatment such as blood pressure control, minimization of vascular risk factors, and reno-preservation cannot be over-emphasized. The knowledge gaps include the optimal management of patients with crescentic LN or thrombotic microangiopathy, the role of mycophenolic acid blood level monitoring, the role of biologics, the optimal surveillance and management of infectious complications, and the management of patients who are intolerant to current treatments.