The lupus nephritis classification: lost in translation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The ISN/RPS lupus nephritis classification is in the process of undergoing a revision. It has lost its way and morphed from a classification based on pathophysiology of disease into a staging system based on the extent of spread and prognosis.

RECENT FINDINGS: There are multiple different pathophysiologic processes that contribute to lupus nephritis. The current classification is inadequate, as it does not highlight these differences and thus squanders the opportunity to develop targeted therapies. Its focus is on the extent of disease as opposed to the pattern of injury, which defines the disease. To delineate the cause, we must include immunofluorescent and electron microscopy, which will help define the pattern of injury.

SUMMARY: To determine eventual targeted treatments for lupus nephritis, we must first classify the disease according to the available pathophysiologic mechanisms. In the upcoming revision, including the immunofluorescence and electron microscopy and eliminating the overemphasis on extent of disease are the first steps to categorizing the lupus nephritis classes accurately.