Histological appraisal of lupus nephritis

The importance of renal biopsy in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with nephritis resides not only in the diagnosis, but mostly in its role in guiding and assessing therapy. The potential benefits of treatment in lupus nephritis include a dramatic clinical improvement and a direct impact on renal survival. However, these benefits can be achieved only if they are carefully weighed against the complex, prolonged, and potentially toxic treatment regimens. This review on lupus nephritis emphasizes on the histological appraisal of lupus nephritis, which may demonstrate some variations among institutions, but should be clearly defined if one expects to have more useful information for the routine management of patients, as well as in clinical trials.