The kidney biopsy in lupus nephritis: is it still relevant?

Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2014 Aug;40(3):537-52, ix. doi: 10.1016/j.rdc.2014.04.004. Epub 2014 Jun 7.

Abstract

The kidney biopsy is the standard of care for diagnosis of lupus nephritis and remains necessary to ensure accurate diagnosis and guide treatment. Repeat biopsy should be considered when therapy modifications are necessary, as in cases with incomplete or no response, or when stopping therapy for those in remission. There are several promising biomarkers of kidney disorders; however, these markers need to be validated in a prospective clinical trial before being applied clinically. Molecular analysis may provide the information presently lacking from current evaluation of kidney disorders and may better inform on prognosis and treatment considerations.

Keywords: Kidney biopsy; Lupus nephritis; Systemic lupus erythematosus.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Biopsy / methods*
  • Comparative Effectiveness Research
  • Disease Management
  • Drug Monitoring / methods
  • Drug Monitoring / standards
  • Humans
  • Kidney / pathology*
  • Lupus Nephritis* / diagnosis
  • Lupus Nephritis* / drug therapy
  • Lupus Nephritis* / metabolism
  • Prognosis
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Standard of Care

Substances

  • Biomarkers