Factors Associated with Rapid Progression to End Stage Kidney Disease in Lupus Nephritis.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Lupus nephritis (LN) may lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in 22% of patients over 15 years with the risk being particularly higher in diffuse proliferative forms. The rate of kidney function decline varies. However, a catastrophic course leading to ESKD within a few years from onset is uncommon. The aim of the present study was to assess the factors associated with rapid progression to ESKD in LN patients. METHODS: Patients from the Toronto Lupus Clinic with biopsy-proven LN at presentation and eGFR≥60ml/min/1.73m2 who developed ESKD within three years were retrieved. Pathology reports were reviewed with particular emphasis on distinct histopathologic features. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and therapeutic variables were also analyzed. RESULTS: Ten patients (1.8% of the total LN population) developed ESKD within three years of diagnosis. Their mean age was 34.2±7.3 years, mean time to ESKD 19.2±12.4 months, initial eGFR=90.2±24.9ml/min/1.73m2, proteinuria 2.7±1.04 grams/24h. The rate of kidney function decline was more than 43ml/min/1.73m2/year (median). One patient had LN class III, five had LN class IV, two membranous LN (class V) and another two had mixed IV/V. Moreover, two patients had extensive thrombotic microangiopathy, one collapsing glomerulonephritis and one concomitant anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) nephropathy. Four patients showed no unusual kidney pathology; all of them had severe non-compliance (discontinued all medications to follow alternative treatment). CONCLUSION: Catastrophic progression to ESKD is uncommon in LN. The major associated factors are poor compliance and distinct histopathologic features such as thrombotic microangiopathy, collapsing glomerulopathy and concomitant anti-GBM nephropathy.