Prognostic Factors for Patient with Lupus Nephritis

 

Findings of nephritis are:

(1) persistent proteinuria (> 500 mg per day)

(2) hematuria

(3) presence of cellular casts

 

Parameters identified on multivariate analysis:

(1) duration of nephritis symptoms prior to renal biopsy

(2) serum creatinine in µmol/L

(3) histologic pattern of lupus glomerulopathy

(4) tubular atrophy

Parameter	Finding	Points
duration of nephritis	<= 6 months	0
	> 6 months	1
serum creatinine	<= 140 µmol/L (1.58 mg/dL)	0
	> 140 µmol/L	1
histologic pattern	diffuse proliferative	1
	other	0
tubular atrophy	absent	0
	present	1

 

total number of risk factors =

= SUM(points for all 4 parameters)

 

Interpretation:

• minimum number: 0

• maximum number: 4

• The higher the number of risk factors the greater the risk of terminal renal failure.

• Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment can preserve renal function. Delayed diagnosis and/or therapy may result in terminal renal failure.