[Clinical and morphological characteristics of lupus nephritis in systemic lupus erythematosus with antiphospholipid syndrome].

AIM: To ascertain clinical and morphological features of lupus nephritis (LN) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) associated with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Immunological markers of SLE and APS, clinical picture, urine indices were examined in 138 patients with SLE, APS and renal dysfunction.

RESULTS

LN associated with APS is characterized with marked arterial hypertension, such patients had arterial thromboses more frequently than patients with isolated LN. Patients with anticardiolipin antibodies have arteriolosclerosis, in APS - diffuse interstitial sclerosis.

CONCLUSION

Renal impairment in SLE may run not only with LN but also with thrombotic microangiopathy modifying clinical symptoms and course of the disease.