Lupus Nephritis

BOSTON—Kidney involvement stemming from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may be more common in male than female patients, researchers reported at the annual meeting of American College of Rheumatology.

Systemic nitric oxide (NO) levels are elevated in patients with proliferative lupus nephritis, researchers found. The association is independent of renal elimination of nitrate and nitrite (NOx), a measure of NO production.

Rituximab (Rituxan), a biologic agent used to treat B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, may offer a promising option for treating severe membranous lupus nephritis (MLN), according to Swedish researchers.

Even partial remission of lupus nephritis may be associated with better patient survival and a reduced risk of progressing to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Researchers say they have discovered a novel biomarker for renal activity in patients with lupus nephritis. The marking, a cytokine called TWEAK, can be measured with a simple urine test.