Biomarker Development for Autoimmune Disorders Involving the Kidneys

SILENT-LN is a prospective observational cohort study of adults with systemic lupus erythematosus, including participants with no renal involvement, suspected renal involvement, active lupus nephritis, previous lupus nephritis, or inactive lupus nephritis. The study will measure pre-specified blood and urine biomarkers longitudinally during routine clinical care.

The study will evaluate whether blood and urine biomarker concentrations and biomarker panel scores are associated with active lupus nephritis, incident lupus nephritis, renal flare, treatment response, remission or inactive renal disease, kidney biopsy findings, and long-term renal outcomes.

Participants will provide blood and urine samples during routine clinical follow-up visits and at visits where renal involvement is clinically suspected. Clinical data, standard laboratory tests, disease activity assessments, kidney function measures, treatment information, and kidney biopsy findings, when available, will be recorded.

A predefined increase or persistent elevation in blood or urine biomarker levels will trigger a structured renal assessment, and kidney biopsy or re-biopsy may be performed if the integrated clinical assessment indicates suspected renal involvement, renal flare, or uncertainty regarding renal inflammatory activity and the procedure is considered safe and clinically appropriate.

The study is currently conducted at Oslo University Hospital, Riks Hospital and may expand to additional centers following funding and regulatory approvals.