Low-Dose Cyclophosphamide and Amenorrhea in Lupus Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Baba Sayumi, Katsumata Yasuhiro, Kawaguchi Yasushi, Gono Takahisa, Sugiura Tomoko, Kanno Tokiko, Hara Masako, Yamanaka Hisashi
Primary Institution: Institute of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University
Hypothesis
What is the incidence of amenorrhea following treatment with low-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus?
Conclusion
Low-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide may increase the risk for amenorrhea, especially in patients aged 40 and older.
Supporting Evidence
- The incidence of amenorrhea was significantly higher in the IVCY group than in the steroid group.
- Sustained amenorrhea developed in 4 subjects in the IVCY group and 1 subject in the steroid group.
- Age at initiation of treatment ≥ 40 years was significantly associated with amenorrhea.
Takeaway
This study found that women under 40 years old have a low risk of losing their periods after treatment, but women 40 and older are at a higher risk.
Methodology
A case-control retrospective study of premenopausal women treated for SLE with low-dose IVCY or glucocorticoids alone.
Potential Biases
Selection bias due to being a single-center study.
Limitations
The study is limited by its retrospective design and small sample size.
Participant Demographics
All participants were Japanese women aged 18-45 with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.009
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.8-58.7
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website