Keywords
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Chronic Kidney Disease
Hospitalization
Lupus Nephritis
Chronic Renal Failure
How to Cite
Abstract
Background: Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most severe manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Purpose: This study aimed to describe the clinical and histological characteristics, treatment response, renal survival, and mortality among LN patients treated at a tertiary care center.
Methodology: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted from 2015 to 2021, including 99 patients diagnosed with LN in a fourth-level hospital in Bogotá, Colombia. Data on clinical presentation, histological findings, treatment, and outcomes were collected and analyzed.
Results: Most patients were young women (72.2%; median age: 32 years). The most common clinical presentation was nephrotic-nephritic syndrome (43.4%). Histologically, class IV LN was the most frequent subtype (49.5%). During hospitalization, 23.2% of patients required renal replacement therapy (RRT), and 18.2% were discharged while still on dialysis. The complete or partial remission rates at 6 and 12 months were 44.1% and 51.6%, respectively. In-hospital mortality was 5%, while one-year mortality reached 11.7%.
Conclusions: This study describes a Latin American population that exhibits severe clinical and histological manifestations of lupus nephritis. We documented various infectious and administrative complications that affected access to and continuity of treatment. Although a direct causal relationship cannot be established, these factors are associated with higher rates of mortality and the need for dialysis in this population. These findings highlight the importance of developing public policies aimed at improving access to timely treatments and optimizing clinical outcomes in both the short and long term.
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