Medium versus high initial prednisone dose for remission induction in lupus nephritis: A propensity score matched analysis.

Higher initial prednisone doses (median 45mg/day) achieved significantly better rates of complete renal response at 12 months in new-onset LN. Cumulative glucocorticoid dose and damage accrual was not different at 2 and 3 years after LN. Damage was more prominent in the late phases of LN in both groups, underlining the importance of rapid tapering and the need to implement alternative strategies.