Nakano M, et al. - Through a multicentre, retrospective cohort study of class III–V lupus nephritis subjects diagnosed between 1997 and 2014, experts examined possible variations in treatment responses among two categories [subjects who developed lupus nephritis within one year from diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (early (E-) LN) and the remainder (delayed (D-) LN)] for the onset of lupus nephritis. A total of 107 E-LN and 70 D-LN cases were involved. A lower cumulative incidence of complete response in D-LN was observed in comparison with E-LN patients. Negative predictors of complete response were D-LN, nephrotic syndrome at baseline, and a chronicity index greater than 2. Renal flares were more likely experienced by D-LN cases. Important predictors of chronic kidney disease at baseline were D-LN and decreased renal function. Hence, in addition to renal histology and severity of nephritis at lupus nephritis onset, D-LN was concluded as a predictor of poorer treatment results.