Long-term Outcome of Lupus Nephritis: A Single Center Study

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Immunology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Limited data exists on long-term lupus nephritis (LN) outcomes in South India.
• This study investigates long-term outcomes, including response to therapy, flares, mortality, and complications in biopsy-proven LN patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term outcomes of lupus nephritis (LN) patients in South India.
• To identify factors predicting treatment response, flares, and overall patient survival.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective observational study was conducted from 2005 to 2012 in Bangalore.
• Patients received treatment following the NIH protocol for lupus nephritis (LN).
• Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 19 software.

Main Results:

• After 84 ± 6 months, 59 patients had a survival rate of 84% (10 deaths).
• Complete remission (CR) was achieved by 38 subjects, with 6 achieving partial remission (PR).
• Factors predicting poor outcomes included elevated serum creatinine, hypertension at presentation, and failure to achieve remission within one year.

Conclusions:

• The long-term survival rate for lupus nephritis (LN) patients in South India is 84% at 84 ± 6 months.
• Early identification and management of risk factors like hypertension and creatinine levels are crucial for improving patient outcomes.