ABSTRACT
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a clinically heterogeneous autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs. Studies of new therapies for SLE often involve, or may even be confined, to individuals with renal involvement because an unambiguous endpoint may be defined, i.e., time to dialysis. Although only 25-50% of patients with lupus demonstrate clinical and laboratory evidence of nephropathy early in the course of disease, 60-75% subsequently develop overt renal abnormalities. The clinical presentation of lupus nephritis is variable, ranging from minimal proteinuria and hematuria, to nephrotic syndrome and depressed renal function in severe cases. The classification of lupus nephritis is based upon light microscopy (WHO), immunoflorescence, and electron microscopy findings on renal biopsy.
