How Is the Prognosis of Diffuse Proliferative Lupus Nephritis

Lupus Nephritis is a major complication of systemic lupus erythmatosus (SLE) and approximately two-thirds of patients develop Renal Disease. Based on the histological classes of Lupus Nephritis, Diffuse Proliferative Lupus Nephritis has the worst prognosis. More than 50% of the glomeruli are involved and show an increase in cells like epithelial cells and inflammatory cells. In clinic, the patients with Diffuse Poliferative Lupus Nephritis present hematuria, high blood pressure and even develop Nephrotic Syndrome. Because of the unfavorable prognosis of Diffuse Proliferative Lupus Nephritis, aggressive treatment must be instituted.

The cytotoxic agents and hormone are usually used to treat the disease. In most cases, the patients have certain improvement in clinical symptoms. However, for reducing in hormone dosage or other factors, the disease is susceptible to relapse frequently. Therefore, the conventional therapy can not improve the prognosis of Diffuse Proliferative Lupus Nephritis fundamentally. That is because they just focus on the symptoms, not its underlying cause.

Diffuse Proliferative Lupus Nephritis results from the immune complexes in glomerular capillary subepithelial cells. In some cases, the immune system is activated improperly and the antibodies produced by it can not tell from the pathological substances and the healthy cells and tissues in body. As a result, the antigens and antibodies form immune complexes and enter into kidneys through blood circulation. These immune complexes attract inflammatory factors ceaselessly thus impairing the glomeruli.

Therefore, in order to treat Diffuse Proliferative Lupus Nephritis and improve its prognosis. The patients should take treatment to suppress the inflammatory response, clear up the immune complexes and correct the immune dysfunction as well as repair the impaired glomeruli. If the causes of renal injury are eliminated and the glomeruli are restored very well, the renal function will improve dramatically. In this way, the kidneys will be able to function well to excrete metabolic products and keep electrolyte balance etc.


Although the prognosis of Diffuse Proliferative Lupus Nephritis is poor, it is possible to improve it by proper treatment. Would you like to know other aspects about Lupus Nephritis, you can consult us on line.