Effect of induction therapy on circulating Th17 and T-regulatory cells in active proliferative lupus nephritis

Abstract

and 22.2 %( 9) respectively, with seizures being the common neuropsychiatric feature at presentation. Renal biopsy done in 35 %( 14) with active urinary sediments/proteinuria showed nephritis of either of these threeeclass III, IV or V. Three of them died, one before and two after 5 years follow-up. One without renal involvement at presentation developed lupus nephritis within 1 year of presentation. Mean SDI score at presentation was 1±1.3. Sixty percent (24) crossed 5 year follow-up and their mean SDI score was 0.5±1.45. Twenty-five percent (10) crossed 10 year follow-up and two died later due to sepsis. Mean SDI score at 10 years was 0.5±1.94. Conclusion: Renal involvement was striking at presentation. Organ damagewas high at presentation as evidenced by SDI score. Sepsis can be avoided with meticulous precautions, vaccinations and careful choice of immunosuppressants. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve survival rates.