Biopsy proven lupus nephritis in a black male patient in West Africa with systemic lupus erythematosus: case report

Abstract

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a complication of systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with significant impact on morbidity and mortality. It is known commonly to affect females but has worse prognosis when males or blacks are affected. In a setting with deficiency in health care delivery, the diagnosis and adequate management of SLE patients becomes difficult and hence less cases of lupus nephritis in black males have been reported. We present a case of a male black patient with SLE who presented with neurolupus, serositis, skin manifestations and Class IV/V lupus nephritis on histology. Our case highlights the challenges in the management of lupus nephritis and the complications with immunosuppression in an attempt to induce remission. There is the need for high index of suspicion for the diagnosis of lupus nephritis especially in black males for prompt management to get the best outcome.