[Renal involvement in connective tissue diseases].

Prognosis of the renal involvement of connective tissue diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus or systemic sclerosis is getting better due to the induction of the new immunosuppressant such as tacrolimus and hypotonicas which reduce glomerular hypertension such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Since patients with myeloperoxidase-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody related glomerulonephritis are older than those with Wegener's granulomatosis, the strong immunosuppressive treatment recommended in Western countries should be avoided. The treatment guideline issued by the Japanese Society of Nephrology is suitable for elderly Japanese patients. Recently, there have been some reports of the use of mizoribine, which is a mild immunosuppressant drug.