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Lupus Nephritis Management

 

Lupus nephritis is the inflammation of small blood vessels in your kidneys due to lupus, an autoimmune disease. It causes your immune system to attack your kidneys. In turn, inflamed kidneys might leak protein and stop functioning properly. The disease can even lead to kidney failure, if not controlled. To avoid kidney inflammation, blood or protein in the urine, impaired kidney function, or lupus kidney failure, our nephrology consultants assist you in lupus nephritis management.

What Causes Lupus Nephritis?

 

Most adults with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) develop lupus nephritis. Due to SLE, immune system proteins damage the kidneys, preventing them from filtering out waste. The following factors may play a role in causing the disease:

  • Your family history
  • Toxic pollutants (factory smoke or car fumes) or chemicals
  • Viruses, including herpes zoster, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus
  • Infections

Signs and Symptoms of Lupus Nephritis

 

Some symptoms of lupus nephritis include:

  • Foamy urine caused by excess protein in your urine (proteinuria)
  • Blood in your urine (hematuria)
  • Weight gain
  • Red skin rash on your face
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, hands, or around your eyes
  • High blood pressure
  • Frequent urination, especially at night
  • Blood containing high levels of creatinine
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Lupus Nephritis Stages

 

In 2003, the Renal Pathology Society (RPS) and the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) developed the following classification levels for lupus kidney disease:

  • Class I: Minimal mesangial lupus nephritis
  • Class II: Mesangial proliferative lupus nephritis
  • Class III: Focal lupus nephritis (active and chronic, proliferative and sclerosing)
  • Class IV: Diffuse lupus nephritis (active and chronic, proliferative and sclerosing, segmental and global)
  • Class V: Membranous lupus nephritis
  • Class VI: Advanced sclerosis lupus nephritis

Our Process

 

Our primary goal of lupus nephritis management at Nephrology Consultants, P.A., is to prevent the progression of the disease. The earlier we can stop kidney damage, the less likely you will require a kidney transplant. 

 

Diagnosis

 

Your nephrologist will evaluate your medical history, do a physical examination, and review your symptoms. For lupus nephritis diagnosis and treatment, they may recommend some special tests:

  • Urine and Blood Tests
  • Iothalamate Clearance Testing
  • Kidney Biopsy

Disclaimer: Lab tests are not done in our clinic, but you can consult our nephrologists for your lab reports.

 

Lupus Nephritis Treatment Options

 

Methods of treatment for lupus nephritis may vary, depending on the stage of the disease you are going through. The usual techniques include:

  • Diuretics
  • Immunosuppressive Drugs and Corticosteroids
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors and Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
  • Diet Counseling
  • Dialysis
  • Kidney Transplant

 

Reach out to Nephrology Consultants, P.A. for your lupus nephritis treatment. We are present in various locations in Delaware.