New Study Finds Achieving and Maintaining Remission Can Protect Kidney Health in Lupus Nephritis

In a new study, researchers found achieving low disease activity or remission is possible and meaningful for people with lupus nephritis, (LN, lupus-related kidney disease) once their kidneys start improving. Although treatments for lupus have improved, LN remains a serious manifestation of SLE and can lead to significant illness and even death. 

In this retrospective cohort study, researchers analyzed 155 people with biopsy-proven LN who achieved renal response. Participants were enrolled at the time of their first renal response. Over a three-and-a-half-year span of follow-up, most participants reached low disease activity (82%) or remission (59%) as measured by Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) and Definition of Remission in SLE (DORIS), respectively. Both groups had strong protection from lupus-related problems. Those who stayed in low disease activity had an 85% lower risk of organ damage, and those in remission had a 79% lower risk. Being in these healthy states also cut the risk of kidney flare-ups by about 72-73% (depending on the measure used). The longer participants stayed healthy, especially for two years or more, the better their protection. Reaching these goals early also helped them to prevent new organ damage and kidney problems later in their health experience.

Following renal response, this study suggests staying in these healthy states over time can greatly improve long-term health for people with LN. Keeping disease activity low could help guide treatment for LN, helping people with the disease to move from early kidney improvement to lasting disease control. Learn more about lupus nephritis. 

Read the study