Lupus nephritis is a manifestation of SLE resulting from glomerular immune complex deposition and
inflammation. Lupus nephritis demonstrates familial aggregation and accounts for significant morbidity
and mortality.We completed a meta-analysis of three genome-wide association studies of SLE to identify lupus nephritis–predisposing loci. Through genotyping and imputation, .1.6 million markers were
assessed in 2000 unrelated women of European descent with SLE (588 patients with lupus nephritis and
1412 patients with lupus without nephritis).