Factors Associated with Disease Relapses in Lupus Nephritis Patients

Abstract

Objective: To determine factors associated with disease relapses in lupus nephritis patients.

Methods: A case-control study in lupus nephritis outpatients at King Chulalongkorn Memorial hospital and Nopparat Rajathanee hospital was conducted during November 1, 2013 to January 31, 2014. Data were collected from the respondents using interviews. The key variables examined were factors associated with disease relapses by chi-squared test. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals.

Results: There were 169 patients (74 patients in a study group and 95 patients in a control group). The factors associated with disease relapse in lupus nephritis were blood pressure (adjusted OR = 3.12, 95% CI 1.01-9.71), infection (adjusted OR = 3.12, 95% CI 1.38-7.03), organ involvements (adjusted OR = 3.10, 95% CI 1.46-6.53), noncompliance (adjusted OR = 3.26, 95% CI 1.42-7.52) and stress (adjusted OR = 4.11, 95% CI 1.75-9.68).

Conclusions: The results of this study provide evidence that several factors contributed to disease relapses in lupus nephritis patients. Consequently, paying attention to such factors is essential to prevent relapse, enhance the quality of life of lupus nephritis patients.