Table 1

Definitions of treatment decision categories

CategoryDefinition
Major escalation

  • Starting any immunosuppressive agent, glucocorticoid or plasmapheresis, without stopping or reducing the dose of any other treatment OR

  • Increasing the dose of glucocorticoid and immunosuppressive agent

Continue at major level

  • No change to a therapeutic regimen which includes treatment with cyclophosphamide or biological agents

Minor escalation

  • Increasing the dose of immunosuppressive agent or glucocorticoid

Continue at minor level

  • No change to a therapeutic regimen which excludes treatment with cyclophosphamide and biological agents

Reduction of treatment

  • Reduction or stopping of one or more drugs without increasing or starting any other drug

No treatment

  • No treatment