| Abstrakt: |
This study aimed to define prognostic indicators of death in renal biopsies from Spanish patients with SLE. Renal biopsies of eighty-five lupus patients with and without clinical nephritis, taken between 1974 and 1987, were reviewed. Samples previously processed for light (LM), immunofluorescence (IM) and electron (EM) microscopy were analysed blind. Kaplan-Maier curves, log-rank test, and multivariate Cox's regression statistical methods were used for comparison of biopsy data in relation to patient survival. Univariate analysis showed that vascular hyalinosis, glomerular sclerosis, fibrous crescent and chronicity index higher than 3 by LM, and intramembranous dense-deposits by EM are predictors of poor survival. A multivariate approach confirmed the independent influence of vascular hyalinosis, chronicity index higher than 3 and intramembranous deposits. A predictive model can be constructed with three LM (hyalinosis, tubular atrophy and glomerular sclerosis) and three EM variables (subepithelial, mesangial and intramembranous deposits). Selected renal biopsy changes detected by LM and EM are therefore predictors of death in patients with lupus. Chronicity markers, more than those of activity or severity, are the best prognostic indicators. |
