Steroid therapy of systemic lupus erythematosus based on immunologic considerations

Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus were treated continuously with large doses of glucocorticoids until the immunologic abnormalities had returned to normal, irrespective of prior relief from subjective complaints. Thereafter, prolonged intermittent steroid therapy with large doses was used, guided by immunologic data and continued for at least two years. With this therapy immunosuppression was maintained and the disease controlled. Side‐effects were minimal. Loss of renal function markedly improved under this therapy even in advanced cases.