Outcomes and Predictors of Treatment Response in Patients With Pure Lupus Membranous Nephropathy

Introduction: The indications and modalities of therapeutic strategies for first-onset pure lupus membranous nephropathy (PLMN) remain poorly defined. We aimed to evaluate renal response rates across real-world treatment strategies and identify predictors of treatment response in PLMN. Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective study in 25 French centers. Patients with biopsy-proven first-onset PLMN treated between 2000 and 2020 were included. Patients were classified according to their initial treatment strategy. Renal response rates were defined based on the 2024 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines. Factors associated with treatment failure at 12 months were assessed using logistic regression. RTX-based regimens were significantly associated with shorter treatment duration and corticosteroid sparing. Conclusion: In patients with first-onset PLMN, 12-month renal response rates did not differ significantly among immunosuppressive regimens despite variation in treatment duration and steroid exposure. Anti-U1RNP antibodies and absence of extrarenal involvement were associated with a higher risk of treatment failure. Anti-CD20-based strategies may be a promising therapeutic approach.