ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and outcome of the subgroups of class V lupus nephritis (LN) . Methods 152 patients with class V LN proven by renal biopsy were classified into 2 subgroups according to the 1995 WHO modified classification of LN. Class Va (61 patients) referred to pure membranous glomerulonephritis. Class Vb (91 patients) referred to diffuse membranous glomerulonephritis with superimposed mesangial widening and/or mild to moderate hypercellularity, withdeposition of immune complex in the mesangial region. 488 patients with class Ⅳ LN in the same period werechosen as control. The clinical manifestations, serology examination, transformation of histopathological pattern and prognosis were compared between patients with class Va and class Vb. Results The incidence of hypertension, anemia in patients with class Vb were higher than that in class Va significantly (38. 5% vs 21. 3% , 72. 5% vs 52. 5% respectively, P