Renal biopsies in SLE: clinical and pathological correlation

Abstract

:The relationship between renal morphology and clinical disease was analysed in 30 SLE patients, with evidence of renal disease. Renal biopsies were performed on these patients. Renal tissue was assesses according to the World Health Organization classification of lupus nephritis. The presence of active and chronic lesions was recorded and disease activity was measured according to a standard protocol. In our group of patients 15 percent had class II lesions, 19 percent had class III lesions, 46 percent had class IV lesions, 12 percent had class V lesions and 8 percent had class VI lesions. Active and chronic lesions occurred among patients with class IV and V, than in any other category. Patients with class IV and V biopsies had evidence of more severe renal impairment. No previous reports of renal histology in SLE are available in Sri Lanka.