[Immunosuppressive treatment strategy in connective tissue diseases]

Abstract

In this review, we summarized important articles published about immunosuppressive agents in connective tissue diseases. Intravenous cyclophosphamide therapy for lupus nephritis and oral cyclophosphamide therapy for Wegener's granulomatosis are major progress in past one decade. Newer immunosuppressive agents such as cyclosporin, tacrorimus are also introduced in steroid refractory organ involvements. And we discussed also the monitoring and prevention of adverse effects of immunosuppressive agents. This review will focus on immunosuppressive treatment strategy of connective tissue diseases.