Navigating Lupus Nephritis: A Comprehensive Review of the Current Treatment Trends

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a serious kidney complication associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), marked by the immune system's misdirected attack on kidney tissues, resulting in inflammation and compromised filtration. This condition has the potential to progress to end-stage renal disease in about 20% of patients within a decade of diagnosis. Lupus nephritis is more prevalent in females, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatment strategies. This systematic review consolidates findings from 16 research articles that explore various therapeutic options for LN. Key themes include the intricate pathogenesis involving immune complex deposition and the advancing treatment landscape, which encompasses both traditional immunosuppressants such as mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and cyclophosphamide and newer biologics like belimumab and voclosporin. The review examines the efficacy and safety profiles of these treatments, underscoring the importance of personalized treatment plans based on disease severity and patient-specific factors. While newer therapies show promise for improving renal outcomes, the potential for adverse effects remains a significant concern. A thorough review was conducted to evaluate current research on lupus nephritis, focusing on treatment advancements. Two independent reviewers searched PubMed using targeted terms and MeSH categories, emphasizing studies published since 1990 identified 7898 articles from that, 16 articles met the criteria for inclusion in the study. The evaluation of bias risk was performed according to established protocols. This systematic approach provided a comprehensive analysis of recent developments in lupus nephritis therapy.