Lupus nephritis

Lupus nephritis is inflammation of the kidney that is caused by systemic lupus erythematous (SLE). Also called lupus, SLE is an autoimmune disease. With lupus, the body's immune system targets its own body tissues. Lupus nephritis happens when lupus involves the kidneys.

Lupus nephritis is a serious problem. Its symptoms, though, are not always dramatic. For many, the first noticeable symptom is swelling of the legs and feet. Less often, there can be swelling in the face or hands.

Not all urinary or kidney problems in people with lupus are due to lupus nephritis. People with lupus may also be prone to urinary tract infections. These cause burning on urination and require treatment with antibiotics .

Certain lupus medications can also affect the kidneys and cause swelling and other symptoms similar to those of lupus nephritis. Problems related to these drugs usually go away when the drugs are no longer used.

The diagnosis of lupus nephritis begins with a medical history, physical exam, and evaluation of symptoms. You doctor will likely order tests to make or confirm a diagnosis.

Tests used in diagnosing kidney problems include urine tests, blood tests, imaging tests such as ultrasound, and kidney biopsy.

There are five different types of lupus nephritis. Treatment is based on the type of lupus nephritis, which is determined by the biopsy. Since symptoms and severity vary from person to person, treatments are individually tailored to meet a person's particular circumstances.Corticosteroids.

 These strong anti-inflammatory drugs can decrease inflammation. Doctors may prescribe these until the lupus nephritis improves.

Because these drugs can cause a variety of potentially serious side effects, they must be monitored carefully. Doctors generally taper down the dosage once the symptoms start to improve.

Immunosuppressive drugs. These drugs, which are related to the ones used to treat cancer or prevent the rejection of transplanted organs, work by suppressing immune system activity that damages the kidneys.

They include azathioprine , cyclophosphamide , voclosporin , mycophenolate. No one knows what causes the disease. Your family history and things in your environment such as infections, viruses, toxic chemicals or pollutants  may play a role in causing the disease.

Men and women of all ages and races get lupus. However, about 90 percent of people diagnosed with lupus are women.

Blood in the urine : Glomerular disease can cause your glomeruli to leak blood into your urine. Your urine may look pink or light brown from blood.

Protein in the urine : Glomerular disease can cause your glomeruli to leak protein into your urine. Your urine may be foamy because of the protein.

Edema: Having extra fluid that your kidneys cannot remove that causes swelling in body parts like your legs, ankles, or around your eyes.

Weight gain: due to the fluid your body is not able to get rid of.

Lupus is treated with drugs that block your body's immune system. These include drugs like steroids  and  antimalarial drugs.  Everyone is different and your doctor will make a treatment plan that is right for you. Usually treatment for lupus nephritis

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David Paul

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Journal of Clinical Nephrology and Research