Minimal-change nephrotic syndrome associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

A case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) associated with minimal-change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) is described. A 41-year-old woman with SLE presented with symptoms of nephrotic syndrome. Renal biopsy revealed minor glomerular abnormalities without the deposition of immune complexes. The initial heavy proteinuria promptly decreased after the prednisolone dosage was increased and disappeared 4 weeks later. The patient had a relapse of nephrotic syndrome without exacerbation of immunoserological reactions when the prednisolone dose was subsequently decreased. Remission was achieved 5 days after methylprednisolone pulse therapy. T cell dysfunction, which is present both in SLE and MCNS, might have triggered MCNS during the course of SLE.