Repeat renal biopsy in lupus nephritis - unnecessary harm and risk of complications or important diagnostic tool with clinical consequences?

Abstract

Renal biopsy at the diagnosis of lupus nephritis is well known standard of care, but the same procedure in the subsequent management is still a matter of debate. This editorial summarize the current value of repeat renal biopsy in lupus nephritis. According to the current standard of care in lupus nephritis the induction treatment is followed by maintenance therapy with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or azathioprine (AZA) for at least 3 years is indicated. At the end of therapy, because clinical symptoms can be absent and laboratory tests can be normal in patients with active disease. This article brings some arguments in favour of renal biopsy in lupus nephritis.