Long-term renal outcome and complications in South Africans with proliferative lupus nephritis

Aim To report the long-term outcome and complication profile of South African patients with proliferative lupus nephritis (PLN). Methods A retrospective review of 66 patients with biopsy-proven PLN [58 diffuse proliferative LN (Class IV) and 8 focal proliferative LN (Class III)] under our care from January 1995 to December 2009 was done. Results Thirty-three (50 %) patients reached the composite end point of doubling of serum creatinine, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or death. The 5-, 10- and 15-year cumulative event-free survival rates were 54, 34 and 27 %, respectively. Variables associated with the composite end point were simultaneous diagnosis of SLE and LN ( p = 0.048); elevated serum creatinine at onset ( p = 0.009); elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) ( p