Clinical profile and survival of patients with lupus nephritis in the department of nephrology in Cameroon: a single-center study

Introduction: prognosis of lupus nephritis in sub-Saharan Africa is poorly known. The purpose of this study is to describe the clinical profile and survival of patients with lupus nephritis treated in the Department of Nephrology. Methods: we conducted a single-centre retrospective cohort study over a period of 5 years. Patients with newly diagnosed lupus nephritis and followed-up for more than 3 months were included in the study. Lupus nephritis was defined as the presence of signs of glomerular damage, whether histologically confirmed or not. We investigated clinical data, treatment effects, and mortality rates. Results: a total of 20 patients were enrolled in the study, including 17 women (85%). The average age [IQ] of patients was 27118- 371 years. Systemic lupus erythematosus was diagnosed concomitantly with lupus nephritis in 90% (n=18) of patients. Twelve (60%) patients had nephrotic syndrome. Active proliferative classes were mainly reported (n=5, 72%). Fifteen patients (75%) received induction therapy and remission was obtained in 6 (30%) patients. At 12 and 24 months, renal and global survival was 68.6% and 49%, and 57.8% and 31%, respectively. The absence of remission was associated with poor prognosis. Conclusion: lupus nephropathy is a common way of revealing lupus in our context. Prognosis is poor, and more than half of patients die or develop end-stage renal disease within 24 months.