Abstract
There is no curative treatment of rheumatic diseases because of lack of knowledge of the cause and pathogenesis about them. Many evidences for an immunological disturbance in rheumatic diseases are noted and the hypothesis that autoimmunity may play a fundamental role in their pathogenesis generally believed. Therefore the immunosuppressive agents have been used in their treatment.
Immunosuppressive therapy in rheumatic diseases were discussed and literatures are reviewed and guidelines for use of the drugs were introduced here. Reports indicating efficacy of the immunosuppressive therapy in rheumatic diseases have been increasing recently. But efficacy of the therapy is not always enough and also it has not yet an established role in management of rheumatic diseases. Side effects are frequent and sometimes serious, so that patient should be selected cautiously and meticulous follow-up care should be performed during the therapy.
Although true curative treatment would not be possible untill etiology or pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases have been established, the immunosuppressive therapy is expected as one of the hopeful treatment. Further therapeutic studies are needed to place it in the management of rheumatic diseases.
