Should HCQ be continued in an asymptomatic SLE patient who has received renal transplant?
If a patient has received a kidney transplant for SLE-LN and is stable and doing well. Managed by their transplant team and on chronic immunosuppressive therapy to prevent rejection. No SLE signs or symptoms. Is there still benefit to continuing HCQ indefinitely? When is is safe to stop?
2 Answers
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Rheumatology · MUSC Health
Answered on
As far as I know there is not a definitive answer to this question due to a lack of clinical trials. My approach is to continue it at a dose adjusted for renal failure. My thought process is that both lupus and chronic renal failure increase the risk of cardiovascular events significantly. Plaquenil...
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Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Rheumatology · Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS)
Answered on
I agree, @Dr. First Last about the lack of good science on this topic and that it could help reduce CV events (a huge problem in this patient population.
However, being a betting man (which I am), I bet it would reduce flare rates and improve disease activity compared to patients who do not continue ...
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