Anti-phospholipid antibodies nephropathy is associated with an increased risk of kidney failure: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background. Anti-phospholipid antibodies nephropathy (aPL-N) is a complex feature of anti-phospholipid syndrome due to microvascular lesions. Renal prognosis and predictors of outcome are not yet known. Methods. We performed a systematic review of the literature (February 2006–January 2024) using the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases. Two reviewers independently conducted literature screening and data extraction in a blinded, standardized manner. A random effects model was used to pool odds ratios (ORs) [with 95% confidence interval (CI)] for the primary analysis, the risk of kidney failure. Subgroup analyses were performed for clinical and laboratory features that predicted renal outcomes. Heterogeneity was assessed by I2. Results. Six records involving 709 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Biopsy-proven aPL-N was found in 238/832 (28.6%) patients. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was present at diagnosis in 20/65 (30.8%), while 73/233 (31.3%) patients with aPL-N developed chronic kidney disease (CKD)/end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) at follow-up. aPL-N was associated with an increased risk of CKD/ESKD [OR 6.89 (95% CI 2.42–19.58)] and AKI [OR 2.97 (95% CI 1–4-6.29)]. Arterial hypertension and positivity for lupus anticoagulant, anti-cardiolipin antibodies and anti-β2 glycoprotein I antibodies were associated with an increased risk of developing aPL-N [OR 3.7 (95% CI 1.9–7.23), OR 4.01 (95% CI 1.88–8.53), OR 2.35 (95% CI 1.31–4.21) and OR 19.2 (95% CI 2.91–125.75), respectively]. Conclusion. aPL-N is associated with poor renal outcomes. High blood pressure and aPL positivity have been identified as predictors of adverse renal outcomes. This up-to-date knowledge on renal outcomes and predictors of renal outcomes in aPL-N enables a personalized follow-up and therapeutic approach.