WCN25-4520 THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PROTEINURIA, HEMATURIA, AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN LUPUS NEPHRITIS

Current guidelines for managing lupus nephritis (LN) emphasize proteinuria. A kidney biopsy (KB) is recommended for patients with persistent proteinuria (urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio exceeding 500 mg/g), regardless of urinary sediment abnormalities, such as dysmorphic red blood cells (RBCs). Proteinuria can reflect various LN conditions, including active inflammation, proliferative lesions, or membranous nephropathy, but may also result from chronic kidney damage or scarring. After an initial diagnosis, repeat biopsies may be necessary, as clinical markers like proteinuria do not always correspond with histological changes.