BackgroundGlucocorticoids are frequently employed in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and play a critical role in the induction therapy of lupus nephritis (LN), despite their many side effects, including steroid-induced diabetes (SID). Information regarding SID in SLE patients is quite scant.PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine risk factors associated with the development of SID in patients with LN.Research Design A nested case-control study was conducted.Study sampleWe included patients with biopsy-proven LN, who received induction treatment with steroids.Data Collection and/or AnalysisOut of the total of 358 patients, 35 (9.7%) developed SID.ResultsPatients with SID had more metabolic risk factors, including the metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR)
more factors related with lupus activity, with higher SLEDAI and SLICC-DI scores
and lower cumulative pre-induction steroid dose. A higher percentage of patients who developed SID received steroid pulses and a lower percentage received antimalarials. After logistic regression, the variables significantly associated with the development of SID were the SLEDAI index (OR 1.25 [95% CI 1.04-1.50],