Burden of Seronegative Lupus Nephritis in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Objective: The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of sero-negative lupus nephritis at a tertiary care Hospital at Karachi.

Study Design: Retrospective / cross sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Nephrology Liaquat National Hospital & Medical College, Karachi from January 2013 to December 2017.

Materials and Methods: This single center, non probability consecutive, cross sectional study was conducted from January2013toDecember 2017. After taking informed written consent, detailed history was taken, clinical examination was done and ANA and antids DNA were sent to check the outcome i-e seronegative lupus nephritis. All the collected information was entered in the prescribed Performa.

Results: Total of 20 patients with sign & symptoms of lupus nephritis were included. Four patients (20%) were males & 16 (80%) were females with the mean age was 31.800±10.471 years. Seronegative lupus nephritis was noted in 5 patients (25%).

Conclusion: In summary, seronegative lupus nephritis was observed in a quarter of patients (25%), thus balancing the absence of SLE-related serologies against a high probability of ANA-negative or seronegative LN pre-testing. When strongly suspected, the patient with close monitoring should be treated promptly.