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5TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF PEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGY, KOLKATA, 29TH & 30TH SEPTEMBER 2007
Alakendu Ghosh*, Parasar Ghosh**
* Professor, Dept. of Medicine, Prof. & Head, ** Assistant Professor
Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology Centre, IPGMER & SSKM Hospital, Kolkata
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a prototypical systemic autoimmune disease, may affect any organ system of the body. The drugs which are used presently in the management of lupus are corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and lately mycophenolate. With these drugs the mortality has improved but morbidity still remains high. Biologics are being developed to target the cells (T and B cells), soluble proteins (cytokines) secreted by the cells, inhibition of T-B interaction and T- APC interaction. Rituximab, Epratuzumab, Abetimus sodium, Anticytokines, Anti-IL10, Infliximab (anti-TNF), Anti-IFN, terminal complement blocker like Eculizumab have been used in SLE patients. Trials are going on and their regular uses are yet to be documented.
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