Facts And Treatments Regarding Lupus Nephritis

One of the most common complication caused by systemic lupus erythematosus is the kidney infection known as lupus nephritis. Even though there are not many signs of lupus nephritis, it is considered to be a serious form of lupus which may lead to fluid retention with weight gain and swelling due to the loss of protein in the urine. Moreover, lupus nephritis symptoms vary from a person to other; some people may show a severe form of lupus nephritis like abnormal findings on urine which may lead to complications and other form which is the most common, patients suffer from a mild infection and in this way they don't need a special treatment.

Furthermore, it is important to mention that not all kidneys affections lead to lupus nephritis. Many symptoms of lupus and even medicines used to treat this disease, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may produce kidney problems and may even cause the loss of kidneys functions and fluid retention.

In addition, the specialists offer a large range of studies that can be done to test kidney disease in a person who suffer from lupus. First of all, the most common and simplest test used to study lupus nephritis is urinalysis. So, with a simple urine test it can be detected or not the presence of proteinuria, red blood cells, white bloods cells or casts, cells which are not normally found in the urine and which can suggests the presence of lupus nephritis. Moreover, another study used for detecting the presence of lupus nephritis are certain studies done to the urine collected over 24 hours. By doing this test it can be measure the kidneys ability to filter waste products and also the number of protein lost in the urine over a 24-hour period.

Secondly, as we know the kidneys have the role to get rid of the waste products and excess fluids. By doing a blood test, we can easily find out if the kidneys do their job properly. Much more, blood tests may be done for measuring the levels of serum complement and antibodied to DNA in the blood.

Thirdly, other studies which may indicate the presence of lupus nephritis are X-ray Studies which are usually made before doing the biopsy and also the kidney biopsy. Kidney biopsy tend to be a hard procedure which requires hospitalization of the patient too. In addition to this, biopsy is done by inserting a needle in the kidney and removing a tiny piece of kidney which is examined under a microscope in order to determine to real condition of the organ.

Moreover, therapy for lupus nephritis depends on many factors and especially on the severity of the affection. In order to treat lupus nephritis there are usually used diuretic agents to help eliminate excess fluid, anti-hypertensive drugs and also a special diet which help in controlling the intake of salt, proteins and calories.

In conclusion, lupus nephritis may be treated with and appropriate treatment or even through kidney transplantation. On the other hand, some patients can't resist and develop dramatic loss of kidney function and renal failure.


By Groshan Fabiola



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