Lupus Nephritis
What is lupus nephritis?
Lupus nephritis is a kind of kidney inflammation that occurs from a complication in people who have systemic lupus erythematosus (commonly just referred to as lupus). Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system produces proteins, called autoantibodies, that attack your own body. In lupus nephritis, lupus autoantibodies affect the parts of your kidneys that filter out waste, leading to inflammation, hematuria, proteinuria, high blood pressure, or even kidney failure. Lupus is much more common in women than in men, most often occurring during the women’s child-bearing years. In addition, lupus is more common in people of African or Asian descent. Of these lupus cases, half of all adults and eight out of every ten children will develop lupus nephritis.What are the symptoms of lupus nephritis?
Some of the symptoms of lupus nephritis include foamy or dark urine, high blood pressure, and edema, or swelling caused by excess fluid, usually in the feet, legs, or ankles. After the initial onset of these symptoms, kidney problems and associated symptoms will start, including:- Joint pain or swelling
- Muscle pain
- Uncaused fever
- Red rash, often on the face, in the shape of a butterfly
What causes lupus nephritis?
No one knows exactly what causes lupus nephritis, but it is suspected that family history and environmental factors (such as infections, toxic chemicals, and pollutants) may play a role in causing the disease.How is lupus nephritis diagnosed?
Lupus nephritis is diagnosed through various lab tests. A urine test is used to look for blood and protein in the urine, which signify kidney damage. A blood test is used to estimate a creatinine level in the blood, which increases as kidney disease worsens. Lastly, a kidney biopsy can confirm a diagnosis of lupus nephritis and determine how far the disease has progressed.What are the available treatments for lupus nephritis?
Treatments for lupus nephritis are aimed at trying to suppress the immune system and reduce high blood pressure and kidney inflammation. Some medicines to help in this process are:- Corticosteroids
- Immunosuppressive drugs
- ACE inhibitors
- Diuretics
- Beta blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
Where can I find out more about lupus nephritis?
Lupus Nephritis Articles
Higher Prednisone Doses Lead to Complete Response in Lupus Nephritis Patients
Kendall Mason
March 25, 2021
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Lupkynis for Lupus Nephritis Has Favorable Cost-Effectiveness
Jessica Lynn
March 22, 2021
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New Partnership to Create Therapies for PKD, Lupus Nephritis, IgAN
Kendall Mason
March 10, 2021
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FDA Approves First Treatment for Adults with Lupus Nephritis
Kendall Mason
January 5, 2021
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Unmet Needs in the Treatment of Certain Glomerular Diseases
Patient Worthy Contributor
December 30, 2020
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Study Provides Evidence That Lupus Nephritis Seemingly Doesn’t Increase Chances of Severe Infection
Patient Worthy Contributor
December 28, 2020
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ACR Convergence 2020: Presentations on KZR-616 for Autoimmune Conditions
Jessica Lynn
November 9, 2020
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Meta Analysis Shows MMF Provides Greater Benefit to Lupus Nephritis Patients Than CYC
Trudy Horsting
November 3, 2020
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