Treatment‐free remission in severe systemic lupus erythematosus following synchronization of plasmapheresis with subsequent pulse cyclophosphamide

Objective. To investigate the effect of an intensified treatment protocol synchronizing plasmapheresis with subsequent pulse cyclophosphamide for severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods. A protocol of plasmapheresis (3 x 60 ml/kg) and subsequent high‐dose pulse cyclophosphamide (36 mg/kg) followed by 6 months of peroral immunosuppression was used to treat 14 patients with severe SLE. Results. Rapid improvement was achieved in all patients. Immunosuppressants, including corticosteroids, were withdrawn at month 6 in 12 patients. Eight patients continued without treatment for a mean observation period of 5.6 years (46–91 months). Conclusion. The results demonstrate that treatment‐free clinical remission can be achieved in some patients with severe SLE.