Lupus Nephritis

Lupus nephritis represents the most common visceral organ manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus and has a major impact on lupus related morbidity and quality of life. Histologically, renal lupus involvement exhibits a broad range of patterns, which cause diverse clinical manifestations, ranging from mild asymptomatic urinary test abnormalities to severe nephrotic syndrome or rapidly progressive renal failure. Therapeutic options have considerably improved over the last decades, but despite intensive research efforts continue to be based on relatively unspecific immunosuppression. Given their considerable side effects, immunosuppressive treatments must be well tailored to the severity of lupus nephritis. For such a rational treatment planning, the exact histological diagnosis based on kidney biopsy plays a central role. This review article summarizes the basis of pathogenesis, histological manifestations, clinical pictures, diag-nosis and treatment approaches of lupus nephritis.