Long-term prognosis in lupus nephritis: relation to the renal biopsy data, therapy, and grade of remission

Abstract

The relation between long term-prognosis and renal biopsy data or therapy were evaluated, and their contribution to remission was also considered. In total, 112 patients with new lupus nephritis who underwent renal biopsy and without other severe organ involvements were selected. These patients were divided into subgroups according to their renal biopsy data, and their clinical data were accumulated. Patients with World Health Organization (WHO) classification types III and IV had poor outcomes. Patients with mild lesions (WHO types I and II) had good outcomes when treated with low-dose steroid, while patients with severe lesions (WHO types III and IV) had better outcomes following medication with immunosuppressive agents. In particular, patients who received intravenous cyclophosphamide (IVCY) showed the best outcomes. Patients with WHO type III or IV classification without remission had poor outcomes, while those with complete remission had better outcomes. We conclude that renal biopsy data and course of therapy showed some relation in longterm prognosis, and the grade of remission was also related.

Key words::

• Lupus nephritis
• renal biopsy
• steroid
• immunosuppressive agents
• remission