Lupus Nephritis

Question 1

What is present in 100% of Lupus patients?

Answer 1

Antinuclear antibodies.

Question 2

What is the characteristic feature of lupus nephritis?

Answer 2

Proteinuria (100% of patients)

Question 3

What percentage of Lupus Nephritis patients have micrscopic hematuria?

Answer 3

80%

Question 4

What class of Lupus nephritis is the most severe and common?

Answer 4

Class IV

Question 5

What are the characteristics of Class IV Lupus nephritis (Diffuse proliferative)?

Answer 5

1. All or most glomeruli show an excess of cells including proliferating native cells and infiltrating inflammatory cells.
2. Granular deposits of Ig and complement subepithelial mesangial and subendoothelial locations
3. Glomerular capillary wall appears thickened resembling wire loops
4. Glomerular damage and crescentic inflammation can be seen

Question 6

What is the treatment for Lupus nephritis?

Answer 6

1. Steroids/immunosuppressants
2. Mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept)
3. Previously cyclophosphamide