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Max Healthcare, one of the best nephrology hospitals in India, offers comprehensive care for patients with lupus nephritis, a type of chronic autoimmune kidney inflammation caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Our experienced and qualified nephrologists, rheumatologists, and other specialists work together to develop a personalised treatment plan for each patient, taking into account their individual needs and condition. Our goal is to help patients achieve and maintain remission from lupus nephritis, preserve kidney function, and prevent complications. We also offer supportive care to help patients manage the symptoms of lupus nephritis and live full and active lives.
Lupus nephritis is a common complication in people with systemic lupus erythematosus — more commonly known as lupus. Lupus nephritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to produce proteins called auto-antibodies that attack the tissues and organs, specifically the kidneys.
Lupus nephritis occurs when lupus auto-antibodies start affecting the kidneys, causing inflammation. It may also lead to blood and protein in the urine, hypertension, and impaired kidney function. Kidney disease caused by lupus may worsen over time and lead to kidney failure. If the kidneys fail, dialysis or a kidney transplant will be the choice of treatment to maintain health and prolong lifespan.
Usually, individuals with Lupus Nephritis present the following signs and symptoms:
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to consult with a doctor right away. Lupus nephritis is a serious condition, but it is treatable. With early diagnosis and treatment, most people with lupus nephritis can live long and healthy lives.
In lupus nephritis, antibodies attack the kidneys leading to inflammation and abnormal kidney function. Long-term inflammation leads to scarring and permanent kidney damage. The cause of lupus nephritis is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However the cause of SLE is unknown, but it has been suggested that it could occur because of a combination of events that trigger the body's immune system to attack the kidneys. The events that lead to this faulty immune response are not clear, but researchers think they may be:
Genes: Very little evidence exists that particular genes directly cause lupus, but several genes may raise the risk for the disease. For example, people of specific ethnic descent, such as Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Island, Native American, and African, are more likely to get lupus, possibly due to shared genes.
Hormones: Lupus nephritis shows a female predilection. Its symptoms tend to increase before the menses and during pregnancy when oestrogen is high. However, medications with oestrogen, like birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy, don't increase the risk of lupus. Scientists are still figuring out the existence of any connection between hormones and lupus and why it occurs predominantly in women.
Environment: Some environmental factors that may affect causing lupus nephritis are:
Only adults and children with SLE can develop lupus nephritis. Some known risk factors for lupus nephritis include:
In addition to renal failure, other long-term complications of lupus nephritis are:
Lupus nephritis can show up in various stages of severity. Determining the stages, therefore, is crucial as it helps guide treatment decisions and prognosis assessment.
There are six recognized stages of lupus nephritis, each indicating different levels of kidney involvement and potential complications. The higher the stage of the disease, the more severe it is.
Diagnosis of lupus nephritis begins with the kidney specialist suggesting a thorough medical evaluation, including a review of the patient’s medical history, a physical examination, and an assessment of their symptoms. The kidney specialist might also suggest various tests to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the disease, in order to develop a personalised Lupus Nephritistreatment plan. Here are the tests that the patient might undergo for further evaluation and diagnosis of their condition.
A kidney biopsy involves taking a small piece of kidney tissue for examination under a microscope. The biopsy is done in the hospital using ultrasound or CT scan imaging techniques to guide the biopsy needle into the kidney. The area is first numbed to limit the pain, and light sedation may be used during the procedure. A kidney biopsy helps:
People who are diagnosed with lupus nephritis early and receive prompt treatment have a good prognosis. Those who start taking medications, dialysis, or have a kidney transplant tend to do well. However, most people with lupus nephritis will need to manage their condition with medication or dialysis for the rest of their lives.
Lupus nephritis is a chronic condition with no cure, but treatment can help manage the disease and improve long-term outcomes. The primary goals of lupus nephritis treatment are to:
Usually, doctors recommend the following conservative Lupus Nephritis treatment:
In case of severe lupus nephritis, drug therapy that suppresses the immune system is typically recommended. The specific medications (steroids/MMF/Cyclophosphamide or others) are used to treat severe lupus nephritis will vary depending on the individual patient's needs and response to treatment.
Despite receiving treatment, the decline in kidney function can still advance. When both kidneys become non-functional, individuals with lupus nephritis may require additional interventions for their kidney health.
Kidney Dialysis:Kidney dialysis is a procedure that assists in eliminating excess fluid and waste from the body. It sustains the proper balance of minerals in the bloodstream and regulates blood pressure by filtering the blood through a specialised machine.
Kidney Transplant: In a kidney transplant, a new kidney is surgically implanted from either a living or deceased donor. This procedure offers the opportunity to replace a non-functional kidney with a healthy one, restoring normal kidney function.
With early diagnosis and treatment, most people with lupus nephritis can live long and healthy lives. Recent advances in treatment have greatly improved the prognosis for this condition. For example, as per The National Center for Biotechnology Information’s report (updated July 2023), the 5-year survival rate is as high as 85% whereas the 10-year survival rate is 73%.
There is currently no cure for lupus nephritis. However, treatment can help to manage the disease and prevent further kidney damage. Treatment options include medications, lifestyle changes, dialysis, and kidney transplant.
The medications used to treat lupus nephritis can have a variety of side effects, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the most common side effects include weight gain, fluid retention, high blood pressure, increased risk of infection, bone loss, and liver damage. It is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any medication you are considering.
The best treatment for lupus nephritis will vary depending on the severity of the disease and the individual patient's response to treatment. Common treatment options include:
Yes, it is possible to live a normal life with lupus nephritis. With proper management, most people with this condition can enjoy a good quality of life. It is important to work closely with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that is right for you and to monitor your progress over time.
Here are some tips for living with lupus nephritis:
There is no surgery that can cure lupus nephritis. However, surgery may be used to treat some of the complications of lupus nephritis, such as kidney failure or heart disease.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best treatment for lupus will vary depending on the individual's symptoms and severity of the disease. However, some common treatments for lupus include:
There is no permanent cure for lupus nephritis. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, most people with lupus can live long and healthy lives.
Corticosteroids are a type of medication that can be used to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. They are often used to treat lupus nephritis, especially in cases of severe disease. Some common corticosteroids used for lupus include prednisone and methylprednisolone.
Reviewed by Dr. Yogesh Kumar Chhabra, Principal Consultant – Nephrology, Kidney Transplant on 06-Mar-2024.
Max Healthcare is home to 5000 eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.
Max Healthcare is home to 5000 eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.
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