- Patients with lupus nephritis who maintain complete renal response for at least 48 months may have a lower risk of relapse after discontinuing immunosuppressive therapy.
- Patients aged 34 years or younger at the time of therapy withdrawal faced more than a threefold increased risk of relapse.
- Factors associated with a reduced risk of relapse include longer duration of immunosuppressive therapy before discontinuation, achieving complete remission at therapy withdrawal, and gradual tapering of therapy.
- Following therapy reintroduction, the majority of relapsed patients achieved complete renal response.
- The study suggests that immunosuppressive therapy withdrawal may be possible in select patients with lupus nephritis who meet specific criteria.
Immunosuppressive Therapy Withdrawal and Renal Relapse Risks
Conexiant
February 12, 2025
