Glomerular IgE deposits in patients with lupus nephritis.

The presence of glomerular IgE deposits (IgE+) and its prognostic significance were examined in 241 patients with various renal diseases. 24 patients (10%) had IgE+, and nephrotic syndrome was present in 22 (92%). 17 of the 24 patients with IgE+ had lupus nephritis. These patients were compared with another group of 32 patients with lupus nephritis, but without IgE deposits (IgE-). Light and electron microscopy showed more severe pathological changes in those with IgE+ than in patients who were IgE-. The number of patients who displayed deterioration in renal function was greater in the former group than in the latter (70 vs. 31%). Our results show that (1) nephrotic syndrome is very common among patients with IgE+; (2) the incidence of IgE deposits in lupus nephritis patients is high (35%) and the incidence of lupus nephritis among patients with IgE deposits is 71%, and (3) the presence of IgE deposits in patients with lupus nephritis may carry a bad prognosis. It is suggested that immunofluorescent studies of renal biopsies should include the evaluation of IgE deposition.