To describe the demographics, clinical features, treatment outcomes, and complications of patients with biopsy-proven lupus nephritis (LN) treated at a tertiary hospital over an eight-year period.
Approach:
Study Design: Retrospective review of patients with biopsy-proven LN from January 2015 to December 2023, analyzing treatment outcomes and complications.
Key Findings:
At 6 months, 50% of Class I and II LN, 49% of Class III, IV, III + V, and IV + V LN, and 83% of Class V LN had no response to treatment according to KDIGO 2024 guidelines.
At 12 months, 55% of Class I and II, 50% of Class III, IV, III + V, and IV + V, and 87% of Class V LN had no response to treatment, with a significant difference between classes (p = 0.04) as per KDIGO 2024 guidelines.
Interpretation:
Management of lupus nephritis remains challenging despite available therapies.
Limitations:
Single-center study may limit generalizability of findings.
Retrospective design may introduce selection and reporting biases.
Conclusion:
The study emphasizes the importance of early biopsy and prompt treatment initiation in lupus nephritis management.
