Renal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus. A study of 180 patients from a single center

Risk factors for acute kidney injury and kidney relapse in patients with lupus podocytopathy

Background

Patients with lupus podocytopathy show a high incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and relapse, but the risk factors and mechanisms were unclear. This study analysed the clinicopathological features and risk factors for AKI and relapse in lupus podocytopathy patients.

Methods

The cohort of lupus podocytopathy was generated by screening the biopsies of patients with lupus nephritis (LN) from 2002 to 2022 and was divided into the mild glomerular lesion (MGL) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) groups based on glomerular morphological characteristics. The acute (ATI) and chronic (CTI) tubulointerstitial lesions were semi-quantitatively scored. Logistic and Cox regressions were employed to identify the risk factors for AKI and relapse, respectively.

Results

Among 6052 LN cases, 98 (1.6%) were diagnosed as lupus podocytopathy, with 71 in the MGL group and 27 in the FSGS group. All patients presented with nephrotic syndrome and 33 (34.7%) of them had AKI. Seventy-seven (78.6%) patients achieved complete renal response (CRR) within 12 weeks of induction treatment, in which there was no difference in the CRR rate between glucocorticoid monotherapy and combination therapy with glucocorticoids plus immunosuppressants. Compared with the MGL group, patients in the FSGS group had significantly higher incidences of hypertension and haematuria; in addition, they had higher Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000, ATI and CTI scores but a significantly lower CRR rate. Urinary protein ≥7.0 g/24 h and serum C3 ≤0.750 g/l were independent risk factors for AKI. During a median follow-up of 78 months, 57 cases (60.0%) had relapse and none reached the kidney endpoint. Failure to achieve CRR within 12 weeks, maintenance with glucocorticoid monotherapy and AKI at onset were independent risk factors for kidney relapse.

Conclusions

In this study, histological subtypes of lupus podocytopathy were found to be associated with clinical features and treatment response. In addition, several risk factors associated with AKI occurrence and kidney relapse were identified.

The Immunodiagnostic Utility of Antinuclear Antibody Patterns: A Prediction for Renal Involvement in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia

Objectives Previous studies have noted associations between the immunofluorescence patterns of antinuclear autoantibodies (ANA) and the autoimmune responses seen in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, the authors tested the hypothesis of whether ANA patterns predict renal involvement in SLE patients. Method A retrospective study was carried out on consecutive SLE patients who had ANA staining pattern data and who were screened for renal involvement defined as all-stage proteinuria or chronic kidney disease (CKD) at a referral tertiary center in western Saudi Arabia from December 2021 to February 2022. Demographic data and levels of lupus immune markers including ANA titers, anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid antibodies (anti-dsDNA), complements C3 and C4, anticardiolipin (aCL) immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM, anti-β2 glycoprotein (β2-IgM and β2-IgG), and lupus anticoagulant (LA) antibodies were collected. Result Among 243 patients included, 25.1% had renal involvement (95% confidence interval {CI}=19.8-31.0). A mixed ANA pattern was associated with a higher prevalence of renal involvement (46.2%), followed by homogenous (26.5%) and speckled (25.6%) patterns, compared with 4.5% for the other patterns (p=0.044). No further association of renal involvement was observed with other biological markers. Adjusted logistic regression showed age (odds ratio {OR}=0.95; 95% CI=0.92-0.97) and mixed ANA pattern (OR=26.66; 95% CI=2.53-281.11) to be independently associated with renal involvement, explaining 12.6% of the variance. Conclusion A mixed homogenous/speckled ANA staining pattern is associated with an increased risk of renal involvement, independent of ANA titer or other lupus immune markers. The potential clinical applications of the ANA staining pattern in SLE should be explored in various subtypes of SLE and patient groups.

EXT1 and NCAM1-associated membranous lupus nephritis in a cohort of patients undergoing repeat kidney biopsies

BACKGROUND

Exostosin 1/2 (EXT1/2) and neural cell adhesion molecule 1 (NCAM1) associated membranous lupus nephritis (MLN) may represent distinct disease phenotypes with prognostic significance.

METHODS

We searched our archives for patients with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) and at least two kidney biopsies demonstrating MLN. Each biopsy was stained for EXT1 and NCAM1 and scored as positive or negative. Histopathologic and clinical data were reviewed.

RESULTS

We identified 31 patients with a clinical diagnosis of SLE and at least two kidney biopsies with MLN. A total of 28 patients (90%) showed concordant staining for EXT1 and NCAM1 in both biopsies; 8 patients (26%) were EXT1 positive and NCAM1 negative, 18 patients (58%) were EXT1 negative and NCAM1 negative and 2 patients (7%) were EXT1 negative and NCAM1 positive. A total of three patients (10%) had discordant EXT1 staining between their first and last biopsies; two patients (7%) were EXT1 positive in their first biopsy and EXT1 negative in the last biopsy and one patient (3%) was EXT1 negative in his first biopsy and EXT1 positive in the last biopsy. Compared with the EXT1-negative cohort at the time of the first biopsy, the EXT1-positive cohort had a higher average estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; 141 versus 108 mL/min/1.73 m2; P = 0.04), lower average percent global glomerulosclerosis (0.5 versus 12%; P = 0.05), lower average interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (2.5 versus 11.7%; P = 0.06) and lower average total National Institutes of Health (NH) chronicity scores (0.75 versus 2.33; P = 0.05). On long-term follow-up, the rate of change in eGFR did not significantly differ between the two groups (P = 0.24). One EXT1-positive patient (12.5%) developed stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) compared with four patients (20%) in the EXT-negative group and two of the three EXT1-discordant patients (P = 0.38).

CONCLUSIONS

We performed the largest retrospective repeat-biopsy study to evaluate EXT1 and NCAM1 autoantigens in MLN. Our data demonstrate that EXT1 positivity is associated with better kidney function at the time of diagnosis and raises the possibility that EXT1 status may change throughout the disease course of MLN.

Association of podocyte injury with clinical features and prognosis in patients with mesangial proliferative lupus nephritis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to explore the association of podocyte injury with clinical features and outcomes in mesangial proliferative (Class II) lupus nephritis (LN).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective and clinicopathologic analysis with 576 LN patients with renal biopsy and screened 58 patients with Class II LN. Then, the 58 cases were divided into 4 groups based on the degree of podocyte damage and immune complex (IC) deposits on light microscope (histological and immunofluorescence) and electron microscope: Podocyte Injury Group, IC deposits Group, Podocyte Injury and IC Group, and Less-lesion Group. Clinical and pathologic information was collected from the patients' medical records at the time of the kidney biopsy and at follow-up. The data of demography, clinical parameters, therapy, remission, and relapse rates were analyzed and compared across groups.

RESULTS

A significant difference was observed in the ages of patients among four Class II LN groups. The onset age of patients with FPE ≥ 50% was significant later. The frequency of thrombocytopenia was statistically different among the four groups and the patients with FPE ≥ 50% had lower frequency of thrombocytopenia. Patients with FPE ≥ 50% had lower serum albumin, eGFR, and elevated proteinuria and serum lipids. In this study, most patients received glucocorticoids in combination with immunosuppressants. Among the 4 groups, the use of ACEI/ARBs was highest in the podocyte injury group. There was a statistical difference in the renal relapse rates among the 4 Class II LN groups. Moreover, the recurrence rate was higher in the FPE ≥ 50% group.

CONCLUSION

Our data identified Class II LN patients with podocyte injury (FPE ≥ 50%) present prominent renal damage and higher rate of renal relapse, suggesting more aggressive treatment and close follow-up for these patients.

Race, Ethnicity, and Disparities in the Risk of End-Organ Lupus Manifestations Following a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Diagnosis in a Multiethnic Cohort

OBJECTIVE

Data on the onset of lupus manifestations across multiple organ domains and in diverse populations are limited. The objective was to analyze racial and ethnic differences in the risk of end-organ lupus manifestations following systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) diagnosis in a multiethnic cohort.

METHODS

The California Lupus Epidemiology Study (CLUES) is a longitudinal study of SLE. Data on major end-organ lupus manifestations were collected and categorized by organ system: renal, hematologic, neurologic, cardiovascular, and pulmonary. Multiorgan disease was defined as manifestations in ≥2 of these distinct organ systems. Kaplan-Meier curves assessed end-organ disease-free survival, and Cox proportional hazards regression estimated the rate of end-organ disease following SLE diagnosis, adjusting for age at diagnosis, sex, and self-reported race and ethnicity (White, Hispanic, Black, and Asian).

RESULTS

Of 326 participants, 89% were female; the mean age was 45 years. Self-reported race and ethnicity were 30% White, 23% Hispanic, 11% Black, and 36% Asian. Multiorgan disease occurred in 29%. Compared to White participants, Hispanic and Asian participants had higher rates, respectively, of renal (hazard ratio [HR] 2.9 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.8-4.7], HR 2.9 [95% CI 1.9-4.6]); hematologic (HR 2.7 [95% CI 1.3-5.7], HR 2.1 [95% CI 1.0-4.2]); and multiorgan disease (HR 3.3 [95% CI 1.8-5.9], HR 2.5 [95% CI 1.4-4.4]) following SLE diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

We found heightened risks of developing renal, hematologic, and multiorgan disease following SLE diagnosis among Hispanic and Asian patients with SLE, as well as a high burden of multiorgan disease among CLUES participants.

Molecular signatures of intrarenal complement receptors C3AR1 and C5AR1 correlate with renal outcome in human lupus nephritis

OBJECTIVE

Lupus nephritis is one of the most common and serious complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Lupus nephritis is a major cause of kidney failure in patients with SLE, attributed to increased morbidity and mortality. The in situ deposition of intrarenal immune complexes promotes the accumulation of inflammatory cells and causes kidney injury.

METHODS

We here extracted transcriptome array datasets for expression of complement molecules in human lupus nephritis. Furthermore, we performed gene set enrichment analysis to identify molecular signatures associated with follow-up kidney function in lupus nephritis.

RESULTS

Within the glomerular compartment, intrarenal mRNA expression levels of C3AR1 (p=0.0333) and C5AR1 (p=0.0167) correlated with treatment success reflected by kidney function recovery specifically in class III lupus nephritis, while no such association was observed in class II or class IV lupus nephritis. Interestingly, mRNA expression levels of either glomerular C3AR1 or C5AR1 resulted in identical gene set and signalling pathways enrichments in human lupus nephritis, including interferon signalling and signalling by interleukins. Direct comparison of C3AR1 and C5AR1 confirmed a strong association between glomerular mRNA expression levels of both complement receptors (r=0.8955, p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides additional insights into signalling pathways associated with intrarenal synthesis of complement components in lupus nephritis that might be also affected by targeted therapy of the complement system. These results require confirmation but may contribute to a personalised treatment approach in distinct classes of human lupus nephritis.

Egyptian recommendations for treating to target of lupus nephritis: an evidence-based consensus on clinical practice recommendations for the management of lupus nephritis and pregnancy

Background

Nephritis is known to be one of the most serious complications of lupus and a strong predictor of poor outcome. This study was carried out aiming at setting up an up-to-date recommendation for the management of women living with lupus nephritis and planning for a family throughout conception, pregnancy, and the postpartum period.

Ten key clinical questions were identified by the scientific committee according to the Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes and Timing (PICOT) approach. The literature review team performed a systematic review to summarise evidence advocating the benefits and harms of available pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies for women living with lupus nephritis (LN) and planning for a family. Subsequently, recommendations were formulated. The level of evidence was determined for each section using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM) system. A 2-round Delphi process was conducted with 24 experts. All rounds were conducted online. A consensus was achieved on the direction and the strength of the recommendations.

Results

An online questionnaire was sent to an expert panel who participated in the two rounds (response rate 100%). At the end of round 2, a total of 20 recommendation items, categorised into 10 domains to address the main LN with pregnancy categories, were obtained. The percentage of those who agreed with the recommendations (rank 7–9) ranged from 88.5 to 100%. On the phrasing of all the clinical standards defined by the scientific committee, a consensus was reached (i.e., 75% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed). An algorithm for the management of LN with pregnancy has been suggested.

Conclusion

These recommendations provide an updated consensus on the pharmacological treatment of LN with pregnancy and strategies to reach optimal outcomes for both the mother and newborn in common clinical scenarios, based on a combination of evidence and expert opinion. Best treatment decisions should be tailored to each individual patient’s situation.

Good Long-Term Prognosis of Lupus Nephritis in the High-Income Afro-Caribbean Population of Martinique with Free Access to Healthcare

Lupus nephritis (LN) has been described as having worse survival and renal outcomes in African-descent patients than Caucasians. We aimed to provide long-term population-based data in an Afro-descendant cohort of LN with high income and easy and free access to specialized healthcare. Study design: We performed a retrospective population-based analysis using data from 2002–2015 of 1140 renal biopsies at the University Hospital of Martinique (French West Indies). All systemic lupus erythematosus patients with a diagnosis of LN followed for at least 12 months in Martinique or who died during this period were included. Results: A total of 89 patients were included, of whom 68 (76.4%) had proliferative (class III or IV), 17 (19.1%) had membranous (class V), and 4 (4.5%) had class I or II lupus nephritis according to the ISN/RPS classification. At a mean follow-up of 118.3 months, 51.7% of patients were still in remission. The rates of end-stage renal disease were 13.5%, 19.1%, and 21.3% at 10, 15, and 20 years of follow-up, respectively, and mortality rates were 4.5%, 5.6%, and 7.9% at 10, 15, and 20 years of follow-up, respectively. Conclusions: The good survival of our Afro-descendant LN patients, similar to that observed in Caucasians, shades the burden of ethnicity but rather emphasizes and reinforces the importance of optimizing all modifiable factors associated with poor outcome, especially socioeconomics.

Lupus nephritis diagnosis using enhanced moth flame algorithm with support vector machines

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the kidney in most patients. Lupus nephritis (LN) is divided into six categories by the International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society (ISN/RPS). The purpose of this research is to build a framework for discriminating between ISN/RPS pure class V(MLN) and classes III ± V or IV ± V (PLN) using real clinical data. The framework is developed by merging a hybrid stochastic optimizer, moth-flame algorithm (HMFO), with a support vector machine (SVM), dubbed HMFO-SVM. The HMFO is constructed by enhancing the original moth-flame algorithm (MFO) with a bee-foraging learning operator, which guarantees that the algorithm speeds convergence and departs from the local optimum. The HMFO is used to optimize parameters and select features simultaneously for SVM on clinical SLE data. On 23 benchmark tests, the suggested HMFO method is validated. Finally, clinical data from LN patients are analyzed to determine the efficacy of HMFO-SVM over other SVM rivals. The statistical findings indicate that all measures have predictive capabilities and that the suggested HMFO-SVM is more stable for analyzing systemic LN. HMFO-SVM may be used to analyze LN as a feasible computer-assisted technique.

Anti-Nuclear Antibody-Negative Lupus Nephritis or Post-Infectious Glomerulonephritis: Diagnostic Dilemma in a Young Male

Proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) is histologically characterized by endocapillary hypercellularity and large immune deposits on light microscopy. Immunofluorescence shows almost all immunoglobulins and complement staining. The presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) is important for diagnosing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Absence of ANA rules out the possibility of SLE according to the 2019 European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for SLE. We report a young boy with fever, nephrotic-nephritic syndrome and pancytopenia consistent with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Renal biopsy was consistent with LN; however, his initial ANA was negative. In view of pathological features of LN and persistent pancytopenia, high dose steroid therapy was started. Repeat ANA, done during the illness, turned positive. In this report, we describe the relevance of pathological patterns and the uncertainties of ANA positivity in making a diagnosis of SLE.

Long-term renal outcomes of mesangial proliferative lupus nephritis in Chinese patients

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the long-term outcomes of mesangial proliferative lupus nephritis (LN class II) and the factors associated with its relapse and histological transformation in Chinese patients.

METHODS

104 SLE patients with biopsy-proven LN class II were included and divided into proteinuria group (proteinuria ≥ 0.4 g/24 h, with or without microscopic hematuria) and hematuria group (microscopic hematuria with proteinuria < 0.4 g/24 h).Patients were treated with glucocorticoid alone (GC monotherapy) or GC in combination with other immunosuppressant (combination therapy). The rates of remission, relapse, histological transformation, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), adverse events, and risk factors related to the outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

During the median follow-up of 77.5 (IQR 58-116.5) months, all the 104 patients achieved remission. Relapse occurred in 69 cases (66.3%), of which 37 were of renal relapse (35.6%). Histological transformation was found in 14 of the 16 (87.5%) cases who received repeated renal biopsy after renal relapse. At the end of follow-up, 3 (2.9%) patients developed ESRD. There were no significant differences in the rates of relapse, histological transformation, adverse events and in the time from remission to relapse between the proteinuria group and the hematuria group. In contrast, the cumulative relapse rate in the GC monotherapy group was much higher than that in the combination group (P < 0.01). Adverse events occurred in 55 (57.3%) patients during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with LN class II have high rates of relapse and renal histological transformation and need optimal maintenance therapy.

KEY POINTS

• The rates of relapse and histological transformation are high in patients with LN class II. • Patients with LN class II are suggested to receive combination therapy and consider repeat renal biopsy after renal relapse.

Neural cell adhesion molecule 1 is a novel autoantigen in membranous lupus nephritis

Membranous lupus nephritis is a frequent cause of nephrotic syndrome in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. It has been shown in phospholipase A2 receptor positive membranous nephropathy that known antibodies can be detected within sera, determination of the target autoantigen can have diagnostic significance, inform prognosis, and enable non-invasive monitoring of disease activity. Here we utilized mass spectrometry for antigen discovery in laser captured microdissected glomeruli from formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue and tissue protein G immunoprecipitation studies to interrogate immune complexes from frozen kidney biopsy tissue. We identified neural cell adhesion molecule 1 (NCAM1) to be a target antigen in some cases of membranous lupus nephritis and within rare cases of primary membranous nephropathy. The prevalence of NCAM1 association was 6.6% of cases of membranous lupus nephritis and in 2.0% of primary membranous nephropathy cases. NCAM1 was found to colocalize with IgG within glomerular immune deposits by confocal microscopy. Additionally, serum from patients with NCAM1-associated membranous nephropathy showed reactivity to NCAM1 recombinant protein on Western blotting and by indirect immunofluorescence assay, demonstrating the presence of circulating antibodies. Thus, we propose that NCAM1 is a target autoantigen in a subset of patients with membranous lupus nephritis. Future studies are needed to determine whether anti-NCAM1 antibody levels correlate with disease activity or response to therapy.

In Patients with Membranous Lupus Nephritis, Exostosin-Positivity and Exostosin-Negativity Represent Two Different Phenotypes

BACKGROUND

In patients with secondary (autoimmune) membranous nephropathy, two novel proteins, Exostosin 1 and Exostosin 2 (EXT1/EXT2), are potential disease antigens, biomarkers, or both. In this study, we validate the EXT1/EXT2 findings in a large cohort of membranous lupus nephritis.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with membranous lupus nephritis, and performed immunohistochemistry studies on the kidney biopsy specimens against EXT1 and EXT2. Clinicopathologic features and outcomes of EXT1/EXT2-positive versus EXT1/EXT2-negative patients were compared.

RESULTS

Our study cohort included 374 biopsy-proven membranous lupus nephritis cases, of which 122 (32.6%) were EXT1/EXT2-positive and 252 (67.4%) were EXT1/EXT2-negative. EXT1/EXT2-positive patients were significantly younger (P=0.01), had significantly lower serum creatinine levels (P=0.02), were significantly more likely to present with proteinuria ≥3.5 g/24 h (P=0.009), and had significantly less chronicity features (glomerulosclerosis, P=0.001 or interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy, P<0.001) on kidney biopsy. Clinical follow-up data were available for 160 patients, of which 64 (40%) biopsy results were EXT1/EXT2-positive and 96 (60%) were EXT1/EXT2-negative. The proportion of patients with class 3/4 lupus nephritis coexisting with membranous lupus nephritis was not different between the EXT1/EXT2-positive and EXT1/EXT2-negative groups (25.0% versus 32.3%; P=0.32). The patients who were EXT1/EXT2-negative evolved to ESKD faster and more frequently compared with EXT1/EXT2-positive patients (18.8% versus 3.1%; P=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of EXT1/EXT2 positivity was 32.6% in our cohort of membranous lupus nephritis. Compared with EXT1/EXT2-negative membranous lupus nephritis, EXT1/EXT2-positive disease appears to represent a subgroup with favorable kidney biopsy findings with respect to chronicity indices. Cases of membranous lupus nephritis that are EXT1/EXT2-negative are more likely to progress to ESKD compared with those that are EXT1/EXT2-positive.

Absence of Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Antibodies in 200 Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With or Without Lupus Nephritis: Results of the GOODLUPUS Study

Introduction

Anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibodies are pathogenic antibodies first detected in renal-limited anti-GBM disease and in Goodpasture disease, the latter characterized by rapidly progressive crescentic glomerulonephritis combined with intra-alveolar hemorrhage. Studies have suggested that anti-GBM antibody positivity may be of interest in lupus nephritis (LN). Moreover, severe anti-GBM vasculitis cases in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been described in the literature, but few studies have assessed the incidence of anti-GBM antibodies in SLE patients.

Objective

The main study objective was to determine if positive anti-GBM antibodies were present in the serum of SLE patients with or without proliferative renal damage and compared to a healthy control group.

Methodology

This retrospective study was performed on SLE patients’ sera from a Franco-German European biobank, developed between 2011 and 2014, from 17 hospital centers in the Haut-Rhin region. Patients were selected according to their renal involvement, and matched by age and gender. The serum from healthy voluntary blood donors was also tested. Anti-GBM were screened by fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA), and then by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) in case of low reactivity detection (titer >6 U/ml).

Results

The cohort was composed of 100 SLE patients with proliferative LN (27% with class III, 67% with class IV, and 6% with class V), compared to 100 SLE patients without LN and 100 controls. Patients were mostly Caucasian and met the ACR 1997 criteria and/or the SLICC 2012 criteria. Among the 300 tested sera, no significant levels of anti-GBM antibodies were detected (>10 U/ml) by the automated technique, three sera were found “ambivalent” (>7 U/ml): one in the SLE with LN group and two in the SLE without LN group. Subsequent IIF assays did not detect anti-GBM antibodies.

Conclusion

Anti-GBM antibodies were not detected in the serum of Caucasian patients with SLE, even in case of renal involvement, a situation favoring the antigenic exposure of glomerular basement membranes. Our results reaffirm the central role of anti-GBM antibodies as a specific diagnostic biomarker for Goodpasture vasculitis and therefore confirm that anti-GBM antibody must not be carried out in patients with SLE (with or without LN) in the absence of disease-suggestive symptoms.

Lupus nephritis: clinical presentations and outcomes in the 21st century

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a frequent and severe manifestation of SLE. Along the decades, the epidemiology of LN and its clinical presentation have been changing. However, even though retrospective cohort studies report a decreased mortality rate and an improvement in the disease prognosis, the percentage of patients progressing into end stage renal disease (ESRD) keeps steady despite the improvements in therapeutic strategies. Current in-use medications have been available for decades now, yet over the years, regimens for optimizing their efficacy and minimizing toxicity have been developed. Therapeutic research is now moving towards the direction of precision medicine and several new drugs, targeting selectively different pathogenetic pathways, are currently under evaluation with promising results. In this review, we address the main changes and persistent unmet needs in LN management throughout the past decades, with a focus on prognosis and upcoming treatments.

Low-Level Proteinuria in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Introduction

In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) without concurrent active urinary sediment or unexplained acute kidney injury (AKI), current guidelines recommend performing a kidney biopsy in those with at least 500 mg/24-hour (European League Against Rheumatism/European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association [EULAR/ERA-EDTA]) or 1000 mg/24-hour (American College of Rheumatology [ACR]) proteinuria. To evaluate the relevance of these indications, we studied histopathologic findings in patients with SLE with proteinuria below these cutoffs.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical, laboratory and histological characteristics of patients with SLE with <1000 mg/24-hour proteinuria (or mg/g urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio [UPCR]) who underwent their first kidney biopsy between 2003 and 2018.

Results

We identified 87 patients with SLE with proteinuria less than 1000 mg/24-hour (or mg/g UPCR); 52 of 87 (60%) with isolated proteinuria, that is, without AKI or active urinary sediment (hematuria). Histologic evidence of lupus nephritis (LN) was present in 40 of 52 (76%). Of the 40 patients with LN, 12 had class I or II, 14 had class III or IV, 8 had class V, 6 had a combined proliferative and membranous LN. Non-lupus diagnoses included focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, acute interstitial nephritis, and others. Patient’s age, low C3, low C4, and positivity for anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies predicted the histological diagnosis of LN on univariate logistic regression; however, a multivariate model including these parameters as independent covariates failed to predict LN.

Conclusions

Patients with SLE with low-level proteinuria may have significant lupus- or non–lupus-related kidney disease with management implications. There was a significant burden of severe forms of LN. The presence of LN was not predicted by laboratory abnormalities. Based on our findings, we suggest current guidelines be revised to expand kidney biopsy indications to include isolated proteinuria of any grade.

Systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus nephritis and end-stage renal disease: a pragmatic review mapping disease severity and progression

Objective

The understanding of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN) pathogenesis remains incomplete. This review assessed LN development in SLE, within-LN progression and progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Methods

A keyword-based literature search was conducted, and 26 publications were included.

Results

Overall, 7–31% of patients had LN at SLE diagnosis; 31–48% developed LN after SLE diagnosis, most within 5 years. Class IV was the most commonly found LN class and had the worst prognosis. Histological transformation occurred in 40–76% of patients, more frequently from non-proliferative rather than proliferative lesions. Cumulative 5- and 10-year ESRD incidences in patients with SLE were 3% and 4%, respectively, and 3–11% and 6–19%, respectively, in patients with SLE and LN.

Conclusions

Elevated serum creatinine was identified as a predictor of worsening disease state, and progression within LN classes and from SLE/LN to ESRD. This review highlights the substantial risk for developing LN and progressing to ESRD amongst patients with SLE.

Systematic review and case report: Systemic lupus erythematosus with renal tubular acidosis

Immune profile assessment-particularly for SLE-and subsequent specific therapy are beneficial in patients with persisting unexplained hyperkalemic or hypokalemic paralysis, especially in case of isolated RTA.

Clinical characteristics and renal prognosis associated with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) and vascular injury in lupus nephritis biopsies

BACKGROUND

Interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) and vascular injury are frequent histologic features of lupus nephritis renal biopsies, but their clinical correlates and prognostic value are not well understood. This cohort study investigated demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics, and outcomes, associated with IFTA and vascular injury in lupus nephritis.

METHODS

Reports of all renal biopsies performed at an academic medical center (1990-2017) with WHO/ISN/RPS Class II-V lupus nephritis were reviewed. Demographics, clinical variables and labs at biopsy, treatment, and date of death were collected. Additional data from the U.S. Renal Data System (USRDS) provided dates of ESRD and death after ESRD. Multivariable regression analyses identified demographic and clinical factors associated with each histologic finding. Cumulative incidence functions and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models estimated the risk of progression to ESRD and death.

RESULTS

Within 202 initial biopsies, IFTA was associated with the patient's SLICC/ACR damage index (without renal domain) and serum creatinine, and vascular injury was associated with serum creatinine in multivariable models. In Cox regression models adjusting for age, sex, race, serum creatinine, calendar year, and biopsy class, moderate/severe IFTA was associated with elevated ESRD (HR_SD 5.18, 95% CI 2.53, 10.59) and death (HR 4.19, 95%CI 1.27, 13.81). After adjustment for age, sex and race, moderate/severe vascular injury was associated with ESRD (HR_SD 2.13, 95% CI 1.21, 3.75) and but this relationship was not significant after adjustment for serum creatinine and calendar year.

CONCLUSIONS

IFTA is a strong predictor of ESRD and death, even in proliferative nephritis, and a risk factor for poor outcomes independent of class. Vascular injury is a strong predictor of prognosis, but not independent of serum creatinine and class. The prognostic value of these lesions calls for consideration when determining treatment for lupus nephritis.

[Lupus nephritis]

Systemic lupus erythematosus is the most characteristic of auto-immune disorders that can lead to tissue damage in many organs, including kidney. Lupus nephritis occurs in 10 to 40% of lupus patients. Its clinical hallmark is the appearance of a proteinuria as soon as a 0.5 g/g or 0.5 g/d threshold, which calls for a renal histological evaluation in order to determine the lupus nephritis severity and the need for specific therapy. More than half of renal biopsies lead to the diagnosis of active lupus nephritis-class III or class IV A according to the ISN/RPS classification-that are the most severe in regards to renal prognosis and mortality. Their treatment aims to their clinical remission and to the prevention of relapse with minimal adverse effects for eventually the preservation of renal function, the prevention of other irreversible damage, and the reduction of risk of death. The remission is obtained through induction therapies of which the association of high dose steroids and cyclophosphamide is the most experienced. When this association must be challenged by the prevention of side-effect, in particular infertility, mycophenolate can be given instead of cyclophosphamide. Maintenance therapy, for the prevention of relapse, consists in mycophenolate or in azathioprine, mycophenolate being the most efficient however associated with a high risk of teratogenicity. Withdrawal of maintenance therapy is possible after two to three years in absence of high risk factors of relapse of lupus nephritis, however a reliable assessment of the risk of relapse is still lacking. Only pure membranous lupus nephritis (pure class V) associated with high level proteinuria requires specific therapies that usually associates steroids and an immunosuppressive drug. However, their choice hierarchy and even the use of less immunosuppressive strategies remain to be determined in terms of benefice over risk ratios. In spite of its trigger effect on lupus activity, pregnancy can be safe and successful if scheduled in the lowest risk periods with close multidisciplinary monitoring before, during and after. When necessary, renal replacement therapy does not require specific adaptation, renal transplantation is the best option when possible, as early as possible.

Relationship between interstitial CD34 positive cells and active phase of lupus nephritis

Objective

Lupus nephritis is one of the most serious and common complications of systemic lupus erythematosus. It has an unpredictable course, and the type, severity, and activity of renal lesions cannot be assessed only by clinical and laboratory findings. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between the expression of CD34 and the histopathological findings of lupus nephritis.

Methods

A total of 73 renal biopsy samples of patients with a diagnosis of lupus nephritis were examined for CD34 expression by immunohistochemistry. Samples without staining were considered as 0, mild staining as 1+, moderate as 2+, and strong staining as 3+. The relationship between CD34 expression and histopathological and clinical data (including activity index, chronicity index, lupus nephritis class, age, sex, blood pressure, complete blood count, renal function tests, and serological findings) was analyzed.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 29.3±11.3 years. CD34 was expressed in all of the cases but with different intensities. There was a significant relationship between the expression of CD34 and the activity index, as a strong expression was seen in lower activity indices (p<0.001). CD34 expression was correlated with patients’ white blood cell (WBC) count and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Patients with strong (score 3) CD34 expression had higher SBPs and lower WBC counts (p=0.03 and 0.04, respectively).

Conclusion

A strong interstitial expression of CD34 was observed in lower activity indices. It seems that CD34 expression could play a protective role in lupus nephritis and could reduce renal activity.

Infection-related hospitalization and risk of end-stage renal disease in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a nationwide population-based study

Background

Infections are a major cause of morbidity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and may lead to death. No nationally representative study of patients with SLE has examined the rates of infection-related hospitalization and the risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Methods

We conducted a nationwide cohort study of 7326 patients with newly diagnosed SLE and no history of ESRD. All data were from Taiwan's National Health Insurance claims database for the period 2000-11.

Results

Among all SLE patients, 316 (4.3%) developed ESRD (mean follow-up time: 8.1 years). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the risk of ESRD increased with the number of infection-related hospitalizations. For patients with three or more infection-related admissions, the hazard ratio (HR) for ESRD was 5.08 [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.74-6.90] relative to those with no infection-related admission. Analysis by type of infection indicated that bacteremia patients had the greatest risk for ESRD (HR: 4.82; 95% CI: 3.40-6.85). Analysis of age of SLE onset indicated that patients with juvenile-onset (<18 years) and three or more infection-related hospitalizations had a greatly increased risk for ESRD (HR: 14.49; 95% CI: 5.34-39.33).

Conclusions

Infection-related hospitalizations are associated with a significantly increased risk of ESRD in patients with SLE, especially those with juvenile-onset SLE. Among patients with different types of infectious diseases, those with bacteremia were more likely to develop ESRD.

Comparison Study on the Effect of Treatment Decision Based on Renal Biopsy and Clinical Symptoms in the Outcome of Patients with Recurrent Lupus Nephritis

Background:

Renal involvement in systemic lupus erythematous is one of the most serious complications. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of treatment decisions based on clinical symptoms and renal biopsy on the outcome of patients with recurrent lupus nephritis.

Materials and Methods:

This descriptive study was conducted in 2012–13 in the Alzahra hospital on patients with lupus nephritis who had referred to the rheumatology clinic of this center due to lupus nephritis relapse. All lupus nephritis patients were diagnosed with renal biopsy and had gone into remission by treatment but due to the discontinuation of treatment and other causes had relapsed. The patients were divided randomly into two groups of 26, the first group was treated without renal biopsy and based on clinical and laboratory symptoms and the second group was re-biopsied through considering the ethical points. Then their relationship with laboratory findings (BUN, Cr, ANA, ds-DNA, C3, C4, CH50, U/A, cast, and proteinuria), treatment and recurrence outcome were compared between the two groups.

Results:

The mean of SLEDAI-2K index before initial treatment, after the first round of treatment and after the second round of treatment in single biopsy group and twice biopsy group is not significantly different (P = 0.27).

Conclusions:

Treatment decisions based on clinical and laboratory findings or re-biopsy of the kidney in patients who relapsed after initial treatment had no significant effect on the recovery of patients. Adoption of a treatment plan in patients with lupus nephritis is recommended based on clinical and laboratory finding and the discretion of the physician and if possible, kidney re-biopsy should be avoided.

Lupus podocytopathy: a distinct entity of lupus nephritis

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients clinically presenting with nephrotic syndrome demonstrating minimal change disease (MCD), mesangial proliferation (MsP) or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), while on electronic microscopy, diffuse podocyte foot process effacement in absence of sub-epithelial or sub-endothelial deposition is the only morphological feature and now diagnosed as lupus podocytopathy. Lupus podocytopathy with glomerular morphology of MCD or MsP usually presents with typical nephrotic syndrome and sensitive to glucocorticoid treatment, but the relapse rate could reach up to 90% on maintenance treatment with glucocorticoid alone. Glucocorticoid plus other immunosuppressive agents could significantly decrease the relapse rate. Lupus podocytopathy with FSGS presents with a higher rate of acute kidney injury and less sensitivity to glucocorticoid treatment. The long-term outcomes of lupus podocytopathy are optimistic, but pathological transition could occur after renal relapses. The unique clinical and morphological features of lupus podocytopathy indicate that this special SLE-associated glomerulopathy should be included in the upcoming revised pathological classification of lupus nephritis.

Impact of Sex on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-Related Causes of Premature Mortality in the United States

BACKGROUND

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that is a source of significantly decreased life expectancy in the United States. This study investigated causes of deaths among males and females with SLE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study used the national death certificate database of ∼2.7 million death records in the United States, 2014. SLE was defined using Tenth Revision of the International Classification of Diseases codes: M32.1, M32.9, and M32.8. We compared sex-stratified demographic characteristics and the most commonly listed comorbidities in decedents with and without SLE. Relative risks (RRs) quantified the risk of dying with the most commonly listed comorbidities among decedents with SLE aged ≤50 years compared with non-SLE decedents.

RESULTS

There were 2,036 decedents with SLE in the United States (86.2% female). Female SLE decedents were 22 years younger than non-SLE females (median: 59 years vs. 81 years). This difference was 12 years among male decedents (median: 61 years vs. 73 years). The most frequently listed causes of death among female SLE decedents were septicemia (4.32%) and hypertension (3.04%). In contrast, heart disease (3.70%) and diabetes mellitus with complications (3.61%) were the most common among male SLE decedents. Among younger male decedents, SLE had higher co-occurrence of coagulation/hemorrhagic disorders and chronic renal failure compared with non-SLE (RR = 16.69 [95% confidence interval {CI} = 10.50-27.44] and RR = 5.76 [95% CI = 2.76-12.00], respectively). These also contributed to premature mortality among women (RR = 4.98 [95% CI = 3.69-6.70] and 8.55 [95% CI = 6.89-10.61], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings identify clinically relevant comorbidities that may warrant careful consideration in patients' clinical management and the natural history of SLE.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Prevalence of Biopsy-Proven Lupus Nephritis

Objectives

This study aims to conduct a meta-analysis to clarify the epidemiologic characteristics of biopsy-proven lupus nephritis (BPLN), including those relating to its prevalence and prognosis.

Patients and methods

A literature search for relevant studies was conducted in the electronic databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Cochrane trial register. The following search terms were used for original articles published between January 1982 and April 2016: "lupus nephritis" or systemic lupus erythematosus ('SLE') or 'systemic lupus erythematous' and "pathology" or 'epidemiology' or prevalence or incidence. Pooled estimates with 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

Results

Nineteen studies were included (mean age of SLE patients at renal biopsy: ~30 years). Of total BPLN patients, 85% were females. BPLN developed in 29% of SLE patients, and accounted for 60% of secondary glomerular diseases in renal biopsy databases. BPLN prevalence among SLE patients was higher in Saudi Arabia compared with pooled Europe/USA data (43% vs 26%, p<0.05). Pooled BPLN prevalence among secondary glomerular diseases patients was higher in Asian/Latin American countries than in Europe (63% vs 34%, p<0.05). Overall five-, 10- and 20-year survival rates of BPLN patients were 94%, 86%, and 71%, respectively, which were higher than those before 1995 (84%, 72%, and 52%, respectively) and lower than those after 1995 (96%, 89%, and 80%, respectively) (all p<0.05). Class IV nephritis, present in 40% of BPLN patients, was a risk factor for renal failure that contributed to poor prognosis.

Conclusion

Lupus nephritis is a common complication of young female patients with SLE, and the most prevalent etiology of secondary glomerular diseases. Attention should be paid to class IV nephritis due to its high frequency and association with poor prognosis.

Mesangial proliferative lupus nephritis with podocytopathy: a special entity of lupus nephritis

Mesangial proliferative lupus nephritis may coexist with podocytopathy, but its clinical-morphological features, treatment response and outcomes have not been compared with mesangial proliferative lupus nephritis without podocytopathy. In this study, 125 biopsies of lupus nephritis patients showing mesangial proliferation with mesangial immune deposits were collected and divided into podocytopathy group (defined as podocyte foot process effacement (FPE) >50% with nephrotic syndrome (NS)) and mesangial group (FPE ≤50%, or FPE >50% without NS). Mesangial proliferation and tubular- interstitial lesions were semi-quantitatively analyzed. We found that the incidence of renal involvement as the onset symptoms ( P < .001), nephrotic syndrome ( P < .001), acute kidney injury ( P < .001), the degree of acute tubular- interstitial lesions ( P < .001), and renal relapse (51.6% vs. 23.7%, P = .005) were significantly higher in the podocytopathy group than in the mesangial group. In contrast, the incidence of arthritis ( P < .001), fever ( P = .042), low serum C4 ( P = .008) and hematuria ( P = .033) was significantly lower in the podocytopathy group than in the mesangial group. No patients developed end stage renal disease or death during a median follow-up of 64 (interquartile range (IQR) 37-103) months in the podocytopathy group and 53 (IQR 30-83) months in the mesangial group. In conclusion, mesangial proliferative lupus nephritis with and without podocytopathy should be subdivided into two separate classes of lupus nephritis.

Sex-related differences in autoimmune-induced lung lesions in MRL/MpJ-faslpr mice are mediated by the development of mediastinal fat-associated lymphoid clusters

MRL/MpJ-Fas^lpr (lpr) mice are a model for autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). These diseases mainly affect women, with a 10:1 female-to-male ratio, and cause pleuropulmonary lesions. We previously revealed a correlation between mediastinal fat-associated lymphoid cluster (MFALC) development and cellular infiltration in the lungs of lpr male mice; however, we did not report on MFALCs in females. The purpose of this investigation was to reveal sex-related differences in MFALCs in lpr mice. We compared the morphological features of MFALCs and lung mononuclear cell aggregates (LMCAs) in 5-month-old male and female lpr mice. The females showed significantly elevated anti-dsDNA autoantibody titers and larger MFALCs, with a higher ratio of lymphatic vessel (LV) and high endothelial venule (HEV) areas to MFALC area, and greater numbers of T- and B-cells, macrophages, and proliferating and dendritic cells in MFALCs and LMCAs than males. Our data indicated that MFALCs were more developed and lung lesions were more severe in female than in male lpr mice, thereby suggesting a potential role for LVs and HEVs in the establishment of MFALCs and lung lesions. Further investigation in female lpr mice will be needed for treatment of human respiratory diseases and autoimmune disorders.

The effect of ethnicity and genetic ancestry on the epidemiology, clinical features and outcome of systemic lupus erythematosus

In this in-depth review, we examine the worldwide epidemiology of SLE and summarize current knowledge on the influence of race/ethnicity on clinical manifestations, disease activity, damage accumulation and outcome in SLE. Susceptibility to SLE has a strong genetic component, and trans-ancestral genetic studies have revealed a substantial commonality of shared genetic risk variants across different genetic ancestries that predispose to the development of SLE. The highest increased risk of developing SLE is observed in black individuals (incidence 5- to 9-fold increased, prevalence 2- to 3-fold increased), with an increased risk also observed in South Asians, East Asians and other non-white groups, compared with white individuals. Black, East Asian, South Asian and Hispanic individuals with SLE tend to develop more severe disease with a greater number of manifestations and accumulate damage from lupus more rapidly. Increased genetic risk burden in these populations, associated with increased autoantibody reactivity in non-white individuals with SLE, may explain the more severe lupus phenotype. Even after taking into account socio-economic factors, race/ethnicity remains a key determinant of poor outcome, such as end-stage renal failure and mortality, in SLE. Community measures to expedite diagnosis through increased awareness in at-risk racial/ethnic populations and ethnically personalized treatment algorithms may help in future to improve long-term outcomes in SLE.

Long-term Outcome of Lupus Nephritis Class II in Argentine Patients: An Open Retrospective Analysis

Background

There is controversy in medical literature over the outcome of patients with lupus nephritis (LN) class II. The aim of this study was to explore the risk of histological transformation (HT) and possible factors related to negative response to treatment in patients with mesangial LN class II.

Methods

A retrospective and multicenter study was carried out that includes patients who had received a diagnosis of LN class II on their first renal biopsy. Creatinine, urine sediment, and proteinuria were recorded at the time of the first biopsy, 6 months, and 1, 2, and 5 years after the first biopsy. Response to treatment, HT, and long-term outcome were evaluated.

Results

Forty-one patients were included. The manifestation at first biopsy was proteinuria greater than 0.5 g/d in 28 patients (68.29%; 8 [28.57%] of 28 patients had nephrotic syndrome), hematuria in 18 patients (43.90%), and deterioration of renal function in 3 patients (7.31%). During the follow-up (median, 8 years; range, 1–35 years), a new biopsy was performed in 18 patients (43.90%), and in 17 patients (17/18 [94.44%]), there was HT. Median time at rebiopsy was 32 months (range, 11–305 months). Of the 18 patients who had a second biopsy, 10 (55.55%) were on hydroxychloroquine versus 100% (19/19) of patients who did not undergo the procedure (P = 0.001). A year after the first renal biopsy, there are data available from 34 patients; of them, 24 patients (70.58%) had achieved response, and 10 patients (29.41%) had no response (NR) (missing data in 7). A higher 24-hour urinary protein at 6 months was predictor of worse outcome at 1 year, with statistical significance difference for the nonresponder group (median proteinuria, 2.3 g/d [range, 0–4.7 g/d]) compared with responders (median proteinuria, 0.28 g/d [range, 0–1.7 g/d]) (P = 0.0133).

In the long-term follow-up (5 years), HT was the main cause of unfavorable outcome and was measured in 78.57% of patients (11/14 patients).

Conclusions

This series shows a high rate of HT in long-term follow-up. Proteinuria at 6 months made it possible to set aside patients who will have an unfavorable outcome in the long term and who will thus benefit from a more aggressive treatment. The results suggest that hydroxychloroquine had a nephroprotective effect.

Update on Lupus Nephritis

SLE is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the kidneys in about 50% of patients. Lupus nephritis is a major risk factor for overall morbidity and mortality in SLE, and despite potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive therapies still ends in CKD or ESRD for too many patients. This review highlights recent updates in our understanding of disease epidemiology, genetics, pathogenesis, and treatment in an effort to establish a framework for lupus nephritis management that is patient-specific and oriented toward maintaining long-term kidney function in patients with lupus.

A five consecutive years' study of renal function outcome among biopsy proven lupus nephritis patients in Southern Iran

Introduction Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most common complications of systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) responsible for an increase in mortality and morbidity. This study was conducted to evaluate the outcome for LN patients and factors that correlate with their outcome. Materials and methods We included 80 patients with proved LN and more than three-years follow up at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. We prepared a data gathering sheet for each patient and extracted the data from patients' file records which existed in the hospital. Results The mean age of patients was 36.6 ± 10.6 years, and 88.3% of patients were women. Men develop remission less than women (three men (33.3%) vs 49 women (72.1%), p = 0.014). Chronic kidney disease (GFR < 60) developed in 14.2% of our patients, and 7.8% progressed to end stage renal disease (ESRD). We found a significant relation between initial creatinine (Cr), GFR, and urine 24 hour protein with developing ESRD ( p = 0.002, 0.039, < 0.001, respectively). Also we found that hypertensive patients are at risk of developing ESRD 0.4 times more than normotensive patients ( p = 0.047, CI: 0.131-0.985). Lack of remission was significantly associated with ESRD progression ( p = 0.025). Conclusion There is a strong agreement among studies that initial Cr, hypertension and lack of remission are associated with poor outcome in LN patients. As a result we must observe hypertensive patients and patients with increased Cr more carefully. Also, we should consider changing treatment in patients who do not develop remission. In spite of dominancy of women in SLE, men are likely to have poorer outcomes.

Integrative therapy decreases the risk of lupus nephritis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A population-based retrospective cohort study

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Evidence on alleviating the risk of lupus nephritis by integrative therapy with conventional medicine (CM) and herbal medicine (HM) had not been addressed.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We investigated the integrative effect associated the risk by a retrospective Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) cohort from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SLE patients with a catastrophic illness certificate (CIC) were retrospectively enrolled from the SLE cohort of the Taiwan NHIRD between 1997 and 2011. The patients were divided into an integrative medicine (IM: integrated CM plus HM) and a non-IM (CM only) group with 1:1 propensity score matching. Cox proportional regression model and the Kaplan-Meier method were conducted to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for lupus nephritis in the cohort.

RESULTS

Among 16,645 newly diagnosed SLE patients holding a CIC (SLE/CIC), 1933 had received HM and 1571 had received no HM treatment. After propensity score matching, there were 273 patients with lupus nephritis-120 in the IM group and 153 in the non-IM group. The adjusted HR (0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54-0.87, p<0.01) for lupus nephritis was lower in the IM group than in the non-IM group. The adjusted HR (0.69, 95% CI: 0.54-0.88, p<0.001) for lupus nephritis was also lower in the group of patients who had received CM plus HM than in the group that received CM only. The core pattern of HM prescriptions, which were integrated with CM for preventing lupus nephritis, was "Sheng-Di-Huang" (raw Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch.), "Mu-Dan-Pi" (Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.), "Dan-Shan" (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.), "Zhi-Bo-Di-Huang-Wan.", and "Chi-Shao" (Paeoniae lactiflorae Rubra).

CONCLUSION

Integrative therapy decreased the risk of lupus nephritis among SLE patients in Taiwan. Further investigation of the pharmacological mechanism and clinical efficacy are warranted.

Fetal outcome and recommendations of pregnancies in lupus nephritis in the 21st century. A prospective multicenter study

The aim of this multicenter study was to assess the present risk of fetal complications and the inherent risk factors in pregnant women with lupus nephritis. Seventy-one pregnancies in 61women (59 Caucasians and 2 Asians) with lupus nephritis were prospectively followed between October 2006 and December 2013. All patients received a counselling visit within 3 months before the beginning of pregnancy and were followed by a multidisciplinary team. At baseline mild active nephritis was present in 15 cases (21.1%). Six pregnancies (8.4%) resulted in fetal loss. Arterial hypertension at baseline (P = 0.003), positivity for lupus anticoagulant (P = 0.001), anticardiolipin IgG antibodies (P = 0.007), antibeta2 IgG (P = 0.018) and the triple positivity for antiphospholipid antibodies (P = 0.004) predicted fetal loss. Twenty pregnancies (28.2%) ended pre-term and 12 newborns (16.4%) were small for gestational age. Among the characteristics at baseline, high SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) score (P = 0.027), proteinuria (P = 0.045), history of renal flares (P = 0.004), arterial hypertension (P = 0.009) and active lupus nephritis (P = 0.000) increased the probability of preterm delivery. Odds for preterm delivery increased by 60% for each quarterly unit increase in SLEDAI and by 15% for each quarterly increase in proteinuria by 1 g per day. The probability of having a small for gestational age baby was reduced by 85% in women who received hydroxychloroquine therapy (P = 0.023). In this study, the rate of fetal loss was low and mainly associated with the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. Preterm delivery remains a frequent complication of pregnancies in lupus. SLE and lupus nephritis activity are the main risk factors for premature birth. Arterial hypertension predicted both fetal loss and preterm delivery. Based on our results the key for a successful pregnancy in lupus nephritis is a multidisciplinary approach with close medical, obstetric and neonatal monitoring. This entails: a) a preconception evaluation to establish and inform women about pregnancy risks; b) planning pregnancy during inactive lupus nephritis, maintained inactive with the lowest possible dosage of allowed drugs; c) adequate treatment of known risk factors (arterial hypertension, antiphospholipid and antibodies); d) close monitoring during and after pregnancy to rapidly identify and treat SLE flares and obstetric complications.

Renal outcomes in children with lupus and a family history of autoimmune disease

Genetic factors play an important role in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) susceptibility and development of lupus nephritis (LN). The significance, however, of a positive family history of autoimmune disease on renal outcome in SLE patients is unknown. This retrospective study of 64 children with LN investigates whether children with LN and a family history of AID (autoimmune disease; 34 patients) had worse renal outcomes when compared with children who did not have a family history (26 patients) of AID. In four patients the family history was unknown. The primary endpoint was doubling of serum creatinine (sCr) and the secondary endpoint was requiring dialysis or transplant (ESRD). Demographic variables for family history + versus mean age in years (range) at onset of LN were 13.5 (7.4-15.9) versus 13.2 (6.4-19.7); female 26: 34 (76%) versus 24: 26 (92%), P = 0.097; race Black 23 (68%), Caucasian 7 (21%), Asian 1 (2%), Hispanic 3(9%) versus Black 14 (54%), Caucasian 6 (23%), Asian 2 (8%), Hispanic 4 (15%). Three patients died (1.6%); sCr doubled in 6/34 (17.6%) versus 2/26 (7.7%), P = 0.45, followed for 2.8 years (0.8-5.8) and 1.8 years (1.8-1.9), respectively, P = 0.24; sCr doubled plus ESRD in 10/34 (29%) versus 6/26 (23%), P = 0.77, followed for 2.7 years (0.8-5.8) and 2.0 years (0.7-4.1) respectively, P = 0.29. In the family history + group, more Black versus non-Black patients doubled their sCr or reached ESRD, 8/23 (35%) versus 2/11 (18%), P = 0.44. More males and Black patients with LN had a positive family history for AID and were more likely to double their sCr or reach ESRD. These results suggest that a family history of AID impacts on renal outcome in children with SLE.

Inhibition of terminal complement: a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus

The importance of the complement system in the pathophysiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is clear although individual complement components play very different roles in the disease process. Early complement proteins are critical in the clearance of immune complexes and apoptotic bodies, and their absencepredisposesindividualsto SLE. Conversely, activationof terminalcomplement is associated with exacerbations of disease and damage to tissues and organs, particularly in lupus nephritis. Monoclonal antibodies that specifically inhibit terminal complement activation while preserving the critical functions of the early complement cascade have now been developed. These antibodies target the C5 complement protein, blocking its cleavage and the subsequent generation of potent proinflammatory molecules. Anti-C5 therapeutics have recently been investigated in an animal model of SLE and in a Phase I single dose study in humans. The results of these studiesand the multiple roles of complement in SLE are discussed.

Ethnic, clinical and immunological factors in systemic lupus erythematosus and the development of lupus nephritis: results from a multi-ethnic New Zealand cohort

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for lupus nephritis including clinical, laboratory, and ethnic factors in a cohort of lupus patients in New Zealand. A retrospective study of patients from two teaching hospitals in Auckland, New Zealand. Patients were selected if they had attended as either an inpatient, or a rheumatology outpatient between 2000 and 2005. 170 patients had SLE according to ACR classification. Lupus nephritis (LN) was diagnosed according to ACR criteria. Clinical, laboratory, and ethnic data were gathered from the patient notes. Twenty-four patients had LN at diagnosis and 32 patients developed LN after diagnosis. LN was associated with serositis ( P = 0.008), cutaneous vasculitis ( P = 0.026), anaemia ( P = 0.005), CRP elevation >6 months ( P < 0.001), hypocomplementaemia >6 months ( P < 0.0001). Patients with elevated doublestranded DNA (dsDNA) (>5 × normal) were more likely to develop type IV LN ( P = 0.0096). Forty-one percent of patients were Caucasian, 12% Maori, 23% Pacific People, 16% Asian, 6% Indian. Maori patients with SLE (odds ratio (OR) = 8.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.11—33.96, P = 0.002), and Pacific People (OR = 3.11, 95% CI = 1.29—11.48, P = 0.014) had increased risk for developing LN. Anaemia at presentation (hazard ratio (HR) 3.2, 95% CI = 1.4—7.1, P = 0.004), and low complement >6 months (HR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.4—8.7, P = 0.008) were independent risk factors for developing LN after SLE diagnosis. In New Zealand, Pacific People and Maori patients with SLE have a higher incidence of LN, and patients with anaemia and hypocomplementaemia are more likely to develop LN after diagnosis. Patients with high dsDNA levels are more likely to develop Type IV lupus nephritis. Lupus (2007) 16, 830—837.

Comparison of Outcomes between Individuals with Pure and Mixed Lupus Nephritis: A Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a serious organ manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Histologic overlap is relatively common in the six pathologic classes (I to VI) of LN. For example, mixed proliferative LN (MPLN) often includes features of classes III & V or classes IV & V combined. We performed a comparative evaluation of renal outcomes in patients with MPLN to patients with pure proliferative LN (PPLN) against pre-specified renal outcomes, and we also identified predictor of clinical outcomes among those with PPLN and MPLN.

HYPOTHESIS

Individuals with MPLN will have worse short-term renal outcomes compared to those with PPLN.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 278 adult LN patients (≥18 years old) identified from an Emory University Hospital registry of native renal biopsies performed between January 2000 and December 2011. The final analytic sample consisted of individuals with a diagnosis of PPLN (n = 60) and MPLN (n = 96). We analyzed differences in clinical and laboratory characteristics at baseline. We also assessed associations between LN category and renal outcomes (complete remission and time to ESRD) with logistic and Cox proportional hazards models within two years of baseline.

RESULTS

The study population was predominantly female (83.97%) and African American (71.8%) with a mean age of 33.4 years at baseline. Over a median follow up of 1.02 years, we did not find any statistically significant associations between MPLN and the development of ESRD or remission when compared to patients with PPLN (adjusted HR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.07, 1.26).

CONCLUSION

There was no association between mixed or pure histopathologic features of LN at presentation and rate of complete or partial remission but higher baseline eGFR was associated with a lower probability of complete remission among patients with lupus nephritis.

Renal Biopsy: A much needed tool in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE)

Background and Objective:

Systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) is an inflammatory disorder associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Kidneys are frequently affected in SLE and various stages of lupus nephritis have been identified based on severity of the disease. Treatment varies with the staging and correct diagnosis is essential for timely intervention as it can have significant impact on morbidity and mortality. The objective of the study was to determine whether laboratory parameters of lupus nephritis (LN); including urinalysis, serum creatinine (S. Cr) and 24 hours urine protein can accurately predict histologic staging of the disease.

Methods:

This retrospective study was conducted in department of Nephrology, Liaquat National Hospital Karachi from January 2012 to December 2014. Fifty one patients of SLE who underwent renal biopsy were selected. Patients, urinalysis at the time of renal biopsy, serum creatinine and 24 hours urine collection for protein were noted. All patients renal biopsy was read by the same pathologist. Patients were clinically staged based on these parameters and their histologic staging based on biopsy findings were compared, to see their correlation. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 17. Chi-square test was used to analyze categorical data and p<0.05 was considered significant. Cohen’s kappa (κ) analysis was used to examine the agreement by comparing lupus nephritis staging done by laboratory and histological ground. P value <0.05 indicates that agreement was unlikely due to chance alone.

Results:

Among 51 patients analyzed, 37 patients were females (72.5%) and 14 patients were males (27.5%) with mean age of 32.51 + 16.91 years. In stage II, kappa (κ) of 0.304 represented fair strength of agreement and a p value of 0.012 (p<0.05)which was statistically significant. In stage III, kappa was 0.209 indicating none to slight agreement and a p value of 0.131 (p>0.05). In stage IV, kappa (κ) was 0.141 (slight agreement)and p value 0.301 (p>0.05) in stage V; kappa (κ) of 0.030 represented poor agreement and a p value of 0.828 (p>0.05).

Conclusion:

Staging of lupus nephritis done on basis of laboratory findings did not correlate well with underlying histological staging. Therefore, renal biopsy is an essential tool in approach to lupus nephritis in order to provide timely and appropriate treatment to patients.

Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-4 as a Marker of Chronic Lupus Nephritis

Kidney biopsy remains the mainstay of Lupus Nephritis (LN) diagnosis and prognostication. The objective of this study is to identify non-invasive biomarkers that closely parallel renal pathology in LN. Previous reports have demonstrated that serum Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4 (IGFBP-4) was increased in diabetic nephropathy in both animal models and patients. We proceeded to assess if IGFBP4 could be associated with LN. We performed ELISA using the serum of 86 patients with LN. Normal healthy adults (N = 23) and patients with other glomerular diseases (N = 20) served as controls. Compared to the healthy controls or other glomerular disease controls, serum IGFBP-4 levels were significantly higher in the patients with LN. Serum IGFBP-4 did not correlate well with systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI), renal SLEDAI or proteinuria, but it did correlate with estimated glomerular filtration rate (R = 0.609, P < 0.0001). Interestingly, in 18 patients with proliferative LN whose blood samples were obtained at the time of renal biopsy, serum IGFBP-4 levels correlated strongly with the chronicity index of renal pathology (R = 0.713, P < 0.001). IGFBP-4 emerges a potential marker of lupus nephritis, reflective of renal pathology chronicity changes.

Clinical-Morphological Features and Outcomes of Lupus Podocytopathy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Lupus podocytopathy, which is characterized by diffuse foot process effacement without peripheral capillary wall immune deposits and glomerular proliferation, has been described in SLE patients with nephrotic syndrome in case reports and small series. This study aimed to better characterize the incidence, clinical-morphologic features, and outcomes of such patients from a large Chinese cohort.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

Lupus podocytopathy was identified from 3750 biopsies of SLE patients obtained from 2000 to 2013 that showed mild glomerular histology in patients with a clinical sign of nephrotic syndrome. The biopsy results were divided into three groups: glomerular minimal change, mesangial proliferation, and FSGS.

RESULTS

Fifty (1.33%) cases were identified as lupus podocytopathy and included minimal change in 13 cases, mesangial proliferation in 28 cases, and FSGS in nine cases. Extensive foot process effacement appeared in all the biopsies and mesangial electron-dense deposits were present in 47 biopsies. All patients demonstrated nephrotic syndrome, and the median proteinuria was 5.72 g/24 h (interquartile range [IQR], 3.82, 6.92). Seventeen (34%) cases presented with AKI. Forty-seven (94%) patients achieved remission after immunosuppressive therapy for a median time of 4 weeks (IQR, 2, 8). Compared with the patients with minimal change and mesangial proliferation, patients with FSGS showed significantly higher incidence of AKI and severe tubule-interstitial injury and a much lower complete remission rate. During follow-up of a median of 62 (IQR, 36, 84) months, renal relapses occurred in 28 (59.6%) patients. No patient died or developed ESRD.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from this cohort study suggest that lupus podocytopathy may represent a special entity of lupus nephritis with distinct clinical-morphologic features. The differences in AKI incidence, tubular injury severity, and response to treatment between the patients with minimal change/mesangial proliferation and those with FSGS patterns indicate two different subtypes of lupus podocytopathy.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Mortality and Cardiovascular Events Among Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease Due to Lupus Nephritis

OBJECTIVE

To identify racial and ethnic differences in mortality and cardiovascular (CV) risk among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) due to lupus nephritis (LN).

METHODS

Within the US ESRD registry (1995-2008), we identified individuals ages >17 years with incident ESRD due to systemic lupus erythematosus. We ascertained demographics, clinical factors, and deaths from registry patient files and CV events (myocardial infarction, heart failure, and hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes) from inpatient Medicare claims. We calculated incidence rates (95% confidence intervals [95% CIs]) per 1,000 person-years for study events, stratified by race and ethnicity. We compared probabilities of the events among racial and ethnic groups using cumulative incidence function curves and multivariable-adjusted subdistribution proportional hazard ratios (HRsd), taking into account the competing events of kidney transplantation and death (for nonfatal CV events).

RESULTS

Of 12,533 patients with LN-associated ESRD, the mean ± SD age was 40.7 ± 14.9 years, 82% were women, and 49% were African American. The overall mortality rate was 98.1/1,000 person-years (95% CI 95.3-100.9). In multivariable models, Asian and Hispanic LN-associated ESRD patients had lower mortality than whites (HRsd 0.70 [95% CI 0.58-0.84] and 0.79 [95% CI 0.71-0.88], respectively), whereas African Americans had higher mortality (HRsd 1.27 [95% CI 1.18-1.36]). African American patients >40 years old had higher mortality than their white counterparts (HRsd 1.67 [95% CI 1.44-1.93]). African Americans were more likely to be admitted for heart failure or hemorrhagic stroke.

CONCLUSION

Among patients with LN-associated ESRD, Asians and Hispanics experienced lower mortality and CV event risks than whites, and African Americans had higher mortality and CV event risks than whites.