Effects of N-acetylcysteine on systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity and its associated complications: a randomized double-blind clinical trial study
Abbasifard M, Khorramdelazad H, Rostamian A, Rezaian M, Askari PS, Sharifi GTK, et al.
Published in Trials, Vol. 24 (1), pp. 129
Methodology
Randomised trial in 80 adults with SLE: 40 took NAC 1,800 mg a day (three doses 8 hours apart) for 3 months and 40 controls continued their normal therapies. Disease activity was scored with BILAG and SLEDAI before and after treatment.
Key Findings
BILAG (P = 0.023) and SLEDAI (P = 0.034) fell from baseline in the NAC group, and both were lower than in controls at 3 months (P = 0.021 and P = 0.030). Organ-level BILAG scores fell from baseline in the mucocutaneous, neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, renal and vascular domains. CH50 rose (P = 0.049). No adverse events were reported.
Conclusions
The authors conclude that 1,800 mg a day of NAC can decrease SLE disease activity and its complications.
Limitations
Described as double-blind, but the abstract says the control group received normal therapies with no placebo mentioned. Small, single-country, 3 months only; flares, steroid use and organ damage were not reported.
Supplements Studied
the administration of 1800 mg/day NAC to SLE patients can decrease the SLE disease activity
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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