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Alternative names Return to top
Nephritis - lupus; Lupus glomerular diseaseDefinition Return to top
Lupus nephritis is a kidney disorder that is a complication of systemic lupus erythematosus, characterized by damage to the glomerulus and progressive loss of kidney function.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Lupus nephritis is one complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is related to the autoimmune process of lupus, where the immune system produces antibodies (antinuclear antibody and others) against body components. Complexes of these antibodies and complement accumulate in the kidneys and result in an inflammatory response.
Lupus causes various disorders of the internal structures of the kidney, including interstitial nephritis, mesangial GN, membranous GN, membranoproliferative GN, diffuse proliferative GN, and others.
It often causes nephrotic syndrome (excessive protein excretion) and may progress rapidly to renal failure. There is progressive azotemia (the accumulation of nitrogenous waste products in the bloodstream) and urinary abnormalities including protein and blood in the urine.
Lupus nephritis affects approximately 3 out of 10,000 people. Systemic lupus erythematosus is most common in women, especially those 20 to 40 years old. It has a familial tendency, with a higher incidence in blacks. It may be related to other autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma. It has been known to be triggered by pregnancy in some cases.
In children with SLE, about half will have some form or degree of kidney involvement.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Examination indicates decreased kidney functioning with edema and may indicate renal failure. Blood pressure may be high. Abnormal sounds may be heard on auscultation of the heart and lungs, indicating fluid overload. Lupus nephritis is usually discovered during investigation of the causes of reduced kidney function. Fewer than one-half have other symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus at the time of diagnosis of lupus nephritis.Treatment Return to top
The goal of treatment is improvement of kidney function.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The outcome varies. It is usually worse with diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis (one specific form of the disorder). As with SLE, the course is variable, with exacerbations (acute episodes) and remissions (symptom-free periods).Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if blood in the urine or swelling of the body develops.Prevention Return to top
There is no known prevention for lupus nephritis. Update Date: 10/17/2003 Updated by: Irfan A. Agha, M.D., Department of Medicine, Renal Division, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |