LUPUS NEPHRITIS - PREDICTIVE VALUE OF IMM UNOLOGICAL FINDINGS

The progression of lupus nephritis is determined by various factors, s uch as the histologic features of renal biopsy, the extent of renal in sufficiency at the time of diagnosis, immunological factors, and the t herapeutic procedures. Chronic lesions in renal biopsy, the evidence o f subendothelial immune deposits, proliferative and renal-vascular les ions, an elevated serum creatinine at the time of starting immunosuppr essive treatment, hypertension, and smoking are risk factors for a poo r outcome in lupus nephritis. The evidence of antibodies against dsDNA with high avidity, antiphospholipid antibodies, antibodies to Clq and to human endothelial cells and the decrease in complement factors are associated with the manifestation, activity, and prognosis of lupus n ephritis. Rheumatoid factors may have protective effects in lupus neph ritis.