[The combination of cyclosporin A and fluocortolone in the treatment of autoimmune diseases]

The authors report the results obtained in treatment of various autoimmune diseases using cyclosporin A (CyA) in association with fluocortolone and/or methotrexate and cyclophosphamide. In all patients treated, complete long-lasting remission of the disease both from a clinical point of view and regarding laboratory tests was obtained. In some cases, this remission has lasted for several years since onset of therapy. The results obtained demonstrate the efficacy of CyA in treatment of autoimmune diseases and show that association with fluocortolone and/or methotrexate and cyclophosphamide by exploiting the combined action of these drugs, has enabled relatively low doses to be used. These however are still sufficient to induce satisfactory immunosuppression and avoid side effects. In this context, the importance of monitoring drug blood levels is underlined, also in view of the fact that each patient has a different capacity for intestinal CyA absorption.