Why carry out this study?

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can affect bone metabolism and homeostasis of serum electrolytes that are associated with abnormal levels of vitamin D.

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is a commonly used immunosuppressant with the active metabolite mycophenolic acid (MPA). The optimal exposure level of MPA has not yet been settled.

This study aims to explore the association between the exposure levels of MPA, as indicated by the area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC), and the 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in children with SLE, and to optimize MPA exposure levels.

What was learned from the study?

25(OH)D levels are associated with MPA exposure levels in children with SLE.

25(OH)D may serve as a potential indicator to optimize the exposure level of MPA during treatment.

AUC0–24h of 98.71 mg·h/L could be the targeted exposure level for children with SLE.