The authors proffer their response to the question previously posed by Joanne Bargman inNature Clinical Practice Nephrology: “Why are rheumatologists treating lupus nephritis?” They argue that rheumatologists are often the first point of call for patients presenting with systemic lupus erythematosus, and that they are also more adept than nephrologists at assessing certain extrarenal manifestations of the disease. Thus, the rheumatologist is ideally placed to design and monitor treatment, with the aid of a nephrologist.
- Cees GM Kallenberg
- Marc Bijl