RESUMO
Lupus nephritis is one of complication of systemic lupus erythematous involving many organ systems. And the incidence of renal involvement is about 80%. Principal site of renal injury is glomerulus, and immune complex and complements are deposited in mesangium, basement membrane capillary loops of the glomerulus in lupus nephritis. Histopathologically, 4 distinct forms of renal injury may be seen such as minimal form, focal segnemtal proliforative form, membranous form and diffuse proliferative form. The treatment of lupus nephritis requires steroid and immunosuppresive drugs, but the prognosis varies according to the types of renal lesion, and the time of therapy. Recently we had the opportunity to observe 2 cases of lupus nephritis at this hospital whose clinical and histopathological features were consistent with criteria criteria for the disease. Inspite of conservative treatment and steroid therapy, one case died, the other was discharged in grave condition.