The prognosis of lupus nephritis in children

Introduction: Lupus nephritis is a systemic disease which affects different organs. The present study was designed to review lupus nephritis, in children its outcome and the related factors. Methods: We reviewed 48 children with lupus nephritis. Clinical and epidemiological features were studied. The patients’ outcomes and related factors were analyzed. Patient and renal survival rate were calculated. Results: The patients were aged 3-11 years. All of the patients had proteinuria and hematuria at the time of presentation. The most common type of renal pathology was class IV lupus nephritis. In follow up, 29.2% and 25% of patients had chronic renal failure and hypertension respectively. The most significantly associated factor was the presence of hypertension at the time of presentation (p=0.03). Five year renal survival rate was 63.8%. Conclusion: Age, sex and renal pathology prevalence of children with lupus nephritis in present study is similar to other studies. Hypertension is a significant predictive factor, so it needs more attention for early treatment of hypertensive patient with lupus nephritis. Less favorite renal outcomes in the present study needs more investigation