The nephropathy of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Lupus nephritis may be considered the prototypic autoimmune disease which is initiated by immune complex deposition. Several patterns of localization of immunoreactants are observed in lupus nephritis, but few data are available to elucidate the corresponding immunopathogenetic mechanisms. Corticosteroids form the mainstay of therapy for lupus nephritis, provided that they achieve a prompt clinical remission which can be sustained with alternate day therapy. Cyclophosphamide may have fewer risks than extended high-dose prednisone and it has been shown to be more efficacious than corticosteroids in preventing end stage renal failure.