Acute renal failure secondary to interstitial lupus nephritis

A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), followed up over a six-month period, exhibited numerous immunologic abnormalities and varied renal pathologic features. Initial findings included minimal glomerular lesions, serum antibodies directed solely against nuclear RNA protein, and lupus band test showing pure IgM deposition. These findings suggested a good prognosis. Subsequently, the patient developed acute renal failure secondary to an interstitial lupus nephritis, without progression of the glomerular abnormality. Serum antibodies to the nuclear non-nucleic acid macromolecule and single stranded and native DNA were demonstrated concurrently. New skin deposits of IgG and IgA in addition to IgM also were observed. This patient demonstrates the potential progression of lupus renal disease despite the initial favorable prognostic indicators.