The Spectrum of Lupus Nephritis

Abstract

Fifty cases of [systemic lupus erythematosis] SLE have been collected over a 10 yr. period and the incidence and clinical picture of LN lupus nephritis reviewed in the light of other published data. Lupus nephritis, like SLE, has a variable pattern of its own with a wide spectrum of renal involvement[long dash]evaluation of therapy and prognosis will have to be conducted against this background. Lupus nephritis may present as a renal syndrome only, without any of the other manifestations of SLE. Renal involvement in SLE is common, but this does not necessarily indicate a poor short-term prognosis. In the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital series a sustained raised blood pressure and the onset of renal insufficiency influenced the prognosis adversely.