Clinical and Histological Characterization of Several Patients with Lupus Nephritis in Colombia

Background: Lupus Nephritis (LN) is a common and severe manifestation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). The study aims to describe the clinical and histological symptoms and response to treatment in a low-income population. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional observational study of patients with LN between 2015 and 2021 at a level 4 hospital in Colombia with renal biopsies. Results: Ninety-nine patients were described, 72.2% of whom were female with an average age of 32 years. The main presenting syndrome was nephrotic/nephritic (43.4%) and nephrotic (25.3%). The mean SLEDAI was 17. Regarding treatment: The induction regimen included cyclophosphamide (62.4%) and Mycophenolate (34,4%). As for histological classification, 49.5% were class IV and 22.2% IV/V. Crescents were presented in 7%. The median index activity was 2 and a chronicity index was 6. Concerning de outcomes: 5% died during hospitalization and 11.7% within the next year. 29,3% of the patients required treatment at the ICU due to severe malfunction. 18,2% continued with dialysis after discharge from the hospital; of these, 37.5% and 28% continued with dialysis at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Remission at 6 months was 44.1% and 51.6% at 12 months. Conclusion: A low socioeconomic status population is described with severe clinical and histological LN presentation with infectious and administrative complications that have limited treatment which directly affect mortality and further need of dialysis. This requires the development of public policies in this population to improve short- and long-term outcomes. Funding: Clinical Revenue Support