Current management of lupus nephritis

Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2013 Jun;27(3):319-28. doi: 10.1016/j.berh.2013.07.004.

Abstract

Despite decades of clinical research aimed at finding the most appropriate immunosuppressive regime, lupus nephritis (LN) remains one of the major disease manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with a great impact on survival and quality of life. We start this review by defining the disease burden, the real-world challenges and the poor prognostic factors. We then discuss the current anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and biologic therapies, with special emphasis on the need for optimal global care.

Keywords: Immunosuppression; Lupus nephritis; Optimal care; Treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Azathioprine / therapeutic use
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Lupus Nephritis / diagnosis
  • Lupus Nephritis / drug therapy*
  • Lupus Nephritis / psychology
  • Mycophenolic Acid / analogs & derivatives
  • Mycophenolic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Prognosis
  • Pulse Therapy, Drug
  • Quality of Life / psychology

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Mycophenolic Acid
  • Azathioprine