Lupus nephritis

Lupus nephritis is an inflammation of the kidney caused by systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE), a disease of the immune system. Apart from the kidneys, SLE can also damage the skin, jointsand nervous system.

Signs and symptoms

Sufferers of lupus nephritis may, or may not have symptoms of kidney disease, but it can manifest itself through weight gain, high blood pressure, dark urine, or swellingaround the eyes, legs, ankles, or fingers.

Furthermore, they may suffer from other symptoms of lupus unrelated to kidney function. Such symptoms can include arthritis, fevers, gastro-intenstinal disturbances, headaches, fatigue, and fluid in the joints.

Diagnoses

Diagnoses may utilize bloodand urine tests, X-rays and scans of the kidneys, and a kidney biopsy. The WHO classification has been replaced by the International Society of Nephrology/Renal Physician Society classification. Classes I and II are mesangial lupus. Class III is focal segmental sclerosis. Class IV is diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis. Class V is membranous nephritis.

Treatment

Medicines which decrease swelling, lower blood pressure, and decrease inflammation by suppressing the immune system. Patients may need to limit protein, sodium, and potassium intake in their diet. Depending on the histology, renal function, and degree of proteinuria, patients may require steroid therapy or chemotherapy reguiments such as cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, or cyclosporine.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lupus+nephritis Wikipedia article Lupus nephritis.