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LUPUS nephritis or lupus glomerular disease is a kidney disorder that is a complication of systemic lupus erythematosus, a disease of the immune system.
Known causes
Lupus nephritis occurs when antibodies (antinuclear antibody and others) and complement (a group of proteins that flow in the bloodstream) build up in the kidneys, causing inflammation.
It often causes nephrotic syndrome (excessive protein excretion) and may progress rapidly to renal failure. Nitrogen waste products build up in the bloodstream.
As with many autoimmune disorders, evidence suggests that genetic predisposition plays an important role in the development of both SLE and lupus nephritis.
Multiple genes, many of which are not yet identified, mediate this genetic predisposition.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) causes various disorders of the internal structures of the kidney, including interstitial nephritis and membranous GN. Lupus nephritis affects approximately 3 out of 10,000 people. In children with SLE, about half will have some form or degree of kidney involvement.
SLE is most common in women 20-40 years old. For more information, see the general article on systemic lupus erythematosus.
Identify it
Symptoms of lupus nephritis include blood in the urine, foamy appearance to urine, high blood pressure, swelling of any area of the body. A physical exam shows signs of decreased kidney functioning with edema.
Blood pressure may be high. Patients may suffer from other symptoms of lupus that are unrelated to kidney function.
Such symptoms can include arthritis, fevers, gastro-intestinal disturbances, headaches, fatigue, and fluid in the joints.
Abnormal sounds may be heard when the doctor listens to the heart and lungs, indicating fluid overload.
Lupus nephritis is usually discovered during investigation of the causes of reduced kidney function. Fewer than half of patients have other symptoms of SLE at the time of diagnosis of lupus nephritis.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to improve of kidney function. Medicines may include corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications.
Dialysis may be needed to control symptoms of kidney failure. A kidney transplant may be recommended. (People with active lupus should not have a transplant.)
Known causes
Lupus nephritis occurs when antibodies (antinuclear antibody and others) and complement (a group of proteins that flow in the bloodstream) build up in the kidneys, causing inflammation.
It often causes nephrotic syndrome (excessive protein excretion) and may progress rapidly to renal failure. Nitrogen waste products build up in the bloodstream.
As with many autoimmune disorders, evidence suggests that genetic predisposition plays an important role in the development of both SLE and lupus nephritis.
Multiple genes, many of which are not yet identified, mediate this genetic predisposition.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) causes various disorders of the internal structures of the kidney, including interstitial nephritis and membranous GN. Lupus nephritis affects approximately 3 out of 10,000 people. In children with SLE, about half will have some form or degree of kidney involvement.
SLE is most common in women 20-40 years old. For more information, see the general article on systemic lupus erythematosus.
Identify it
Symptoms of lupus nephritis include blood in the urine, foamy appearance to urine, high blood pressure, swelling of any area of the body. A physical exam shows signs of decreased kidney functioning with edema.
Blood pressure may be high. Patients may suffer from other symptoms of lupus that are unrelated to kidney function.
Such symptoms can include arthritis, fevers, gastro-intestinal disturbances, headaches, fatigue, and fluid in the joints.
Abnormal sounds may be heard when the doctor listens to the heart and lungs, indicating fluid overload.
Lupus nephritis is usually discovered during investigation of the causes of reduced kidney function. Fewer than half of patients have other symptoms of SLE at the time of diagnosis of lupus nephritis.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to improve of kidney function. Medicines may include corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications.
Dialysis may be needed to control symptoms of kidney failure. A kidney transplant may be recommended. (People with active lupus should not have a transplant.)
