LUPUS NEPHRITIS- A STUDY ON CLINICAL & HISTOMORPHOLOGICAL VARIABLES IN RELATION TO PROGNOSIS, IN NORTH KERALA

Abstract

BACKGROUNDSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting multiple organ systems either simultaneously or sequentially with relapsing and remitting course.1 Renal disease affects 38% of patients with SLE, with a range of 12-69% and it adds significantly to the morbidity and mortality of SLE patients.2 Although the availability of dialysis, transplantation and immunosuppressive therapy have improved patient survival, approximately 20% of SLE patients still die from disease or associated complications.