Kidney disease associated with SLE

The histological classification of kidney involvement in SLE is complex, and both vascular and interstitial lesions of the kidney can occur. The major cause of kidney disease associated with SLE is lupus nephritis, and approximately 15 to 45% of patients with SLE will develop it. Any patient with SLE who has significant haematuria or proteinuria needs urgent specialist assessment (preferably rheumatology and nephrology) and consideration for kidney biopsy.

Note: Any patient with SLE who has significant haematuria or proteinuria needs urgent specialist assessment.

Mild forms of glomerular disease, indicated by low levels of haematuria (less than 200 000 glomerular red blood cells/mm³), have a good prognosis and usually do not require treatment.