Summary of two studies examining lupus nephritis (LN) in African-Americans
| Author, year | N | Objective | Results | Conclusions | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franco et al, 201049 | 67 | To correlate clinical, serological and immunological variables with the development of ESRD requiring dialysis in the African-American population | Renal function was more decreased in the proliferative forms of LN. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was increased mostly in classes III, IV and V. Complement levels were uniformly decreased in the population studied. C4 was more significantly decreased in the proliferative forms of LN. Higher creatinine values, low GFR, class IV LN and hypertension were associated with ESRD in this population. Patients with class V LN had significantly less risk to progress to ESRD (p values<0.05). | Hypertension, higher creatinine, proliferative nephritis and decreased GFR are associated with ESRD requiring dialysis. | III |
| Lea, 200250 | N/A | To explore the higher incidence of progression to ESRD in African-Americans | Hypertension and proteinuria are well-defined prognostic factors that significantly impact the course of renal disease progression for most forms of renal disease. Clinical trials in LN to date have not examined the role of aggressive antihypertensive or antiproteinuric therapies in retarding renal disease progression. | Additional studies are needed to better elucidate the natural history of LN in African-Americans and to optimise therapeutic strategies for those who are identified as being at high risk. | V |
ESRD, end-stage renal disease; GFR, glomerular filtration rate; N/A, not available.