Original Paper The Outcome of Patients with Lupus Nephritis and the Impact of Cardiovascular Risk Factors

ABSTRACT Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the prototype of autoimmune connective tissue diseases. Renal disease is a frequent manifestation of SLE that influences the outcome of the patients. The aim of the current study was to determine and analyze the clinical features and subsequent outcome of 70 patients with LN, followed in our department over the past 5 years, focusing on the impact of cardiovascular risk factors in the renal outcome and mortality. Patients and methods: Our prospective study included 70 patients with SLE and LN and 70 patients with SLE without signs of renal involvement, all patients fulfilled the revised ACR (American College of Rheumatology) criteria for the classification of SLE. Demographical data, risk factors and comorbidities were recorded. Results: Patients with lupus nephritis had a mean age of 37 years (range 15-65, SD 1.8). During the study, we had a rate of drop off of 15 patients with lupus nephritis (21%) and 19 patients without nephritis (26%). Patients with LN had a higher prevalence of positive anti-dsDNA antibodies (85.4 % vs 49%, p<0.001, RR=2.2) and a lower percent of rheumatoid factor (FR) positive (5.45 % vs 15.68%, p=0.03, RR=0.34) compared with the controls, a higher prevalence of corticosteroid treatment (65.45 % vs 7.83%, p<0.001, RR=2.1) and immunosuppressive treatment (AZ