Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease and renal involvement represent one of the most common manifestations of it . On the other hand, there is evidence that vitamin D and its analogs have known immunosuppressant properties and profound effects on glomerular mesangial cell proliferation. Moreover much literature such as animal studies suggests it as a therapeutic intervention in autoimmune disease. The investigators plan to conduct a double blind randomized control clinical trial to study effects of calcitriol on progress and activity of lupus nephritis. Fifty patients with clinically quiescent SLE and biopsy-proven glomerulonephritis will be recruited. They will be treated with calcitriol for 1 year. Proteinuria, renal function, lupus disease activity, serum inflammatory markers will be monitored.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether calcitriol is effective in the treatment of lupus nephritis.