Factors associated with a worse prognosis:
(1) occurrence in an adult
(2) male gender
(3) very low serum albumin
(4) profuse and persistent proteinuria for months (> 4 grams per day for 18 months, > 8 grams per day for 6 months)
(5) hypertension
(6) impaired renal function
(7) failure to achieve a remission (spontaneous or therapy-induced)
(8) presence on HLA typing of DR3, DR5 or B37
Having a complete remission was associated with a good prognosis.
Findings on renal biopsy associated with a worse prognosis:
(1) glomerular stages III or IV
(2) presence of focal sclerosis
(3) moderate to marked tubulointerstitial change
(4) absence of mesangial sclerosis
