RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: The optimal duration of immunosuppressive (IS) treatment for lupus nephritis (LN) remains uncertain. We assessed the prevalence and predictors of IS tapering and discontinuation (D/C) in LN patients. METHODS: Data from 137 inception cohort LN patients were analyzed. We examined determinants of flares during tapering and after IS D/C, D/C achievement and time to D/C, and adverse long-term outcomes applying logistic and linear regression models. RESULTS: IS tapering was attempted in 111 (81%) patients, and D/C was achieved in 67.5%. Longer time to achieve complete renal response (CR) (OR : 1.07, p= 0.046) and higher SLEDAI-2K at tapering initiation (OR : 2.57, p= 0.008) were correlated with higher risk of renal flares during tapering. Persistent hydroxychloroquine use (≥2/3 of follow-up) (OR : 0.28, p= 0.08) and lower SLEDAI-2K 12 months before IS D/C (OR : 1.70, p= 0.013) decreased the risk of post-D/C flares. Adverse outcomes (>30% eGFR decline, chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease, death) at the end of follow-up (median124 months) were more frequent in patients with flares during IS tapering (53% vs 16%, p< 0.0038) but did not differ between IS D/C achievers and non-achievers. In proliferative LN, differences mirrored those in entire cohort, except for time to D/C, which occurred 20 months earlier in membranous vs proliferative LN (ß-coef=-19.8, p= 0.014). CONCLUSION: Earlier CR achievement and lower SLEDAI-2K at tapering initiation prevent flares during IS tapering, while persistent hydroxychloroquine use and lower SLEDAI-2K 12 months before IS D/C prevent post-D/C flares. Flares during tapering increase the risk of unfavorable long-term outcomes. Earlier IS D/C is feasible in membranous LN.