Core Curriculum
Update on Lupus Nephritis: Core Curriculum 2020

https://doi.org/10.1053/j.ajkd.2019.10.017Get rights and content

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a multisystem autoimmune disease that commonly affects the kidneys. Lupus nephritis (LN) is the most common cause of kidney injury in systemic lupus erythematosus and a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiology of LN is heterogeneous. Genetic and environmental factors likely contribute to this heterogeneity. Despite improved understanding of the pathogenesis of LN, treatment advances have been few and risk for kidney failure remains unacceptably high. This installment in the Core Curriculum of Nephrology provides an up-to-date review of the current understanding of LN epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. Challenging issues such as the management of LN in pregnancy, timing of transplantation, and the evolving role of corticosteroid use in the management of LN are discussed. We review the currently accepted approach to care for patients with LN and highlight deficiencies that need to be addressed to better preserve long-term kidney health and improve outcomes in LN.

Index Words

Lupus nephritis (LN)
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
lupus
glomerulonephritis (GN)
kidney biopsy
induction therapy
maintenance therapy
pregnancy
proteinuria
cyclophosphamide
complete response (CR)
partial response (PR)
histopathologic classification
mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)
rituximab
corticosteroids
end-stage kidney disease (ESKD)
review

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