Correlation of proteinuria and quantitative anti-dsDNA level in patients of Lupus Nephritis after treatment of pulse cyclophosphamide therapy

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Lupus nephritis is a frequent and severe renal complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), driving significant morbidity and progression to chronic kidney disease, especially in resource-limited settings. Timely assessment of clinical, urinary, and immunological markers and their response to therapy is vital for evaluating disease activity and treatment effectiveness. Objective: To assess the correlation of proteinuria and quantitative anti-dsDNA level in patients with lupus nephritis after treatment of pulse cyclophosphamide therapy. Methods & Material: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Khwaja Yunus Ali Medical College & Hospital, Sirajganj, Bangladesh, from January 2023 to December 2023. This prospective study enrolled 47 SLE patients with renal involvement via purposive sampling. Baseline demographic, clinical, urinary, and immunological data were collected. Serial follow-up of urine protein, RBC, and quantitative anti-dsDNA levels was performed for six months. Data analysis was conducted using MS Office. Results: The cohort (n=47) was predominantly young females (91.5%). At baseline, 61.7% had heavy proteinuria (+++) and 68.1% had anti-dsDNA >400 IU/ml. After cyclophosphamide-based therapy, 76.6% achieved urine protein ≤+ by three months. By six months, 87.2% had minimal proteinuria and 55.4% had anti-dsDNA <200 IU/ml, demonstrating a correlated improvement in both key parameters. Conclusion: Pulse cyclophosphamide therapy effectively reduced both proteinuria and anti-dsDNA levels in lupus nephritis patients within six months, demonstrating a strong correlation between clinical and serological response. This supports the utility of combined monitoring in assessing treatment efficacy.