EPIDEMIOLOGY AND CLINICAL ASPECTS OF LUPU S NEPHRITIS

Lupus erythematosus is regarded as a typical autoimmune disease charac terized by the involvement of a variety of organ systems. The disease is spread all over the world. An average prevalence of 20 - 50 cases a nd an incidence of 5 - 7 cases per 100.000 inhabitants must be taken i nto consideration. The prognosis of systmeic lupus erythematosus is de cisively influenced by its renal manifestation. In 35 to 75% of all ca ses, the kidneys are involved in the disease process. Al present, no t ypical clinical or laboratory-chemical findings early indicating renal involvement as well as degree and severity of nephritis can be define d. Kidney biopsy is still of substantial importance for the diagnosis of the disease.