Modern methods for diagnosis and therapy of lupus nephritis
Zdrojewski, Z.
Annales Academiae Medicae Stetinensis 57(3): 39-48
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 1427-440X PMID: 23383547 Document Number: 652912
Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most serious manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus. Renal biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosis of lupus nephritis. The wide spectrum ofmorphologic, immunohistological, and ultrastructural abnormalities reflects the clinical course, therapy planning, and prognosis as to renal function and patient survival. Conventional clinical parameters, such as creatinine clearance, proteinuria, urine sediment, anti-dsDNA antibodies, and complement levels are not sensitive or specific enough for monitoring disease activity. Thus, novel biomarkers are necessary which could be used for diagnosis, therapeutic monitoring, early detection of exacerbations, and prognosis. This article reviews promising biomarkers, all of which await evaluation in clinical trials. Additionally, current therapeutic options in LN are discussed.