A case of lupus nephritis with podocyte disorder

Abstract

A 33-year-old woman was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, and her renal biopsy showed class V. She was started on prednisolone, and her serology was in remission. However, proteinuria did not improve and it progressed to nephrotic syndrome. The electron microscopy of renal tissue showed podocyte damage. The patient was started on tacrolimus and ACE inhibitors, and the proteinuria improved. Both drugs have been reported to be useful in stabilizing podocyte structure, and early intervention with these drugs may be essential in patients with podocytosis.