Patients and methods We performed a multicentric retrospective study. A total of 209 patients with LN were included. All patients met American Rheumatism Association criteria. LN was classified according to the International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society classification. We adopted previously defined outcome criteria for LN.

Results There were 185 females and 24 males, with a mean age of 27.2 years. At first presentation, we noted hypertension in 31%, hematuria in 72%, nephrotic syndrome in 47%, and renal failure in 64% of cases. Renal biopsy revealed predominant proliferative classes in more than 80% of patients. Patients received different regimens mainly based on intravenous cyclophosphamide and Mycophenolate. After a mean follow-up of 22 months, remission occurred in 46.7%, relapses in 81%, end-stage renal failure in 24%, and death in 13% of cases. Infection and neurological and cardiovascular diseases were the most frequent causes of death.

Conclusion LN seems to be severe in our study, with a predominance of proliferative forms, severe renal manifestations, and poor renal and overall survival.