RT Journal
A1 Kimberly RP
T1 REnal changes in systemic lupus erythematosus
JF Archives of Internal Medicine
JO Archives of Internal Medicine
YR 1979
FD September 1
VO 139
IS 9
SP 1062
OP 1062
DO 10.1001/archinte.1979.03630460092031
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archinte.1979.03630460092031
AB To the Editor.— 
    Dr Cunningham and associates, in the Archives (138:1560-1561, 1978), reported an interesting case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and transient changes in renal function, which they attribute to lupus interstitial nephritis. While this interpretation is intriguing in view of the emerging recognition of lupus interstitial renal disease,1 an alternative explanation of the patient's deteriorating condition and response to "therapy" is possible.Aspirin and other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) may cause acute elevations of serum creatinine value and BUN level with decreased glomerular filtration rate,2.3 which may occasionally mimic incipient acute renal failure.4 These changes are rapidly reversible when the drug therapy is discontinued, but the recovery of renal function may be confused with a "therapeutic" effect of corticosteroids initiated at the time of NSAID withdrawal.2 Patients with SLE appear to be more susceptible to this effect than normal subjects, especially if there is