الفهرس 
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Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease (SLE) with multi- organ involvement. It mainly affects females in their reproductive age and is characterized by remission and exacerbation courses (120, 146, 147). Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most serious complications of SLE and it is a major predictor of poor prognosis(59, 148-150). Thus, there is a pressing need to find novel markers of LN severity and prognosis.
A kidney biopsy is the gold standard for the diagnosis of LN as it provides information regarding the pattern and severity of renal involvement as well as the class, activity, and chronicity(59, 151). These are all important considerations influencing treatment decisions(59, 149). However, the invasive nature makes it contraindicated in certain situations like bleeding tendency(152). A serial biopsy may be needed to monitor progression and treatment (59, 79, 151).
The renal resistive index (RRI) is one of the most important parameters in kidney Doppler US that gives information regarding arterial compliance, peripheral resistance, and pulsatility, reflecting renal parenchyma and vascularity health status (83, 143, 153, 154).
Few studies evaluated the role of RRI as a marker of severity in LN and its potential use as a non-invasive marker in the assessment of the outcomes and treatment response. To date, the usefulness of RRI in predicting response to treatment and prognosis of LN is controversial.