FREQUENCY OF ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID ANTIBODIES IN LUPUS NEPHRITIS PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective:

To determine the frequency of antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA) in patients with lupus nephritis.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at the Department of Nephrology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT), Karachi, following ethical approval. Ninety-five patients with lupus nephritis, aged 16–60 years, were enrolled using non-probability consecutive sampling. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and antiphospholipid antibody profiles including anticardiolipin (aCL) IgG/IgM, anti-β2 glycoprotein I, and lupus anticoagulant were assessed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with p-values <0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results:

Among 95 female patients with lupus nephritis, the mean age was 33.7 ± 9.2 years and 56% tested positive for antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA). Lupus anticoagulant (28.4%) was the most frequent antibody, followed by anticardiolipin (27.4%) and anti-β2GPI (13.7%). APLA positivity was observed in all LN classes, highest in Class IV (70%), but without statistical significance (p = 0.174). Similarly, APLA positivity was comparable across treatment groups (Cyclophosphamide 49%, MMF 61%, Rituximab 59%; p = 0.554). Over 63% reported prior miscarriage.

Conclusion:

A considerable proportion of lupus nephritis patients exhibited APLA positivity, predominantly lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies, with no significant association with disease class or treatment modality. This highlights the relevance of routine APLA screening in lupus nephritis, especially in patients with obstetric complications.