Hi, Thanks for writing in. A GFR of 51 ml/min/m2 would mean that you have stage 3 chronic kidney disease(CKD). Generally speaking, chronic kidney disease can be expected to progress even if the underlying cause has been treated ( in your case, it would mean even after SLE has been controlled). Generally, rate of progression would depend on a number of factors including degree of albuminuria, calcium, bicarbonate and phosphate levels in the serum. Also, it would mean keeping your blood pressure under control and reviewing your medication with your nephrologist ( as a lot of drugs affect the kidney or are excreted by the kidney) Overall, rate of progression is slow and its only when you reach stage 5 CKD, we would need dialysis or a renal transplant for you. However, it is important that you lead a healthy lifestyle and control things like high blood pressure and sugar levels as more people with CKD succumb to cardiovascular disease than CKD itself. Hope this helps. Regards