Possible association of anti-ribosomal P protein antibodies with lupus nephritis: Report of a case

Abstract

    A 43-year-old man presented polyarthralgia, malar rash, and low-grade fever, proteinuria, lymphocytopenia and positive ANA. He was diagnosed as systemic lupus erythematosus and admitted to our hospital for further evaluation. On admission, laboratory findings revealed proteinuria (1.9 g/day), hepatic disorder, positive immune complex, and negative anti-DNA. Serum anti-ribosomal P protein antibodies (anti-P) were markedly elevated. Findings of renal biopsy were consistent with ISN/RPS class V nephritis, with deposition of IgG and complements in the glomeruli. The absence of anti-DNA suggest that anti-P might be involved in the development of lupus nephritis in our patient.