Table 2.

Comparison of Lupus-Related Parameters in SLE Patients with and without Lupus Nephritis (LN)

Parameter	SLE (without LN) (N = 20)	LN (N = 28)	P (Mann Whitney U-Test)
Lupus Duration (Y)	3 (2–4.3)	3.5 (2.4–6)	0.194
Average Steroid Dose	22.5 (18.8–30)	30 (20–30)	0.272
Cumulative Steroid Dose	60 (40–105)	90 (60–165)	0.049*
Steroid Pulses	1 (0–1.3)	1 (0–2)	0.217
SLEDAI Activity Index	6.5 (4–9.3)	10 (6–12)	0.046*
SLICC Damage Index	0 (0–1.3)	1 (0–2)	0.628

Notes: Average Steroid Dose: Expressed as average equivalent prednisone dose in mg/day. Cumulative Steroid Dose: Average steroid dose multiplied by disease duration in years. Steroid Pulses: Total number of pulses given throughout the disease history; a pulse is defined as an exceptionally high steroid dose given for 3–5 days. *Significant (P < 0.05).

Abbreviations: SLEDAI, systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index; SLICC, SLE International Collaborating Clinics damage index.