Lupus
Lupus is a chronic illness in which the body produces antibodies against various portions of itself. Lupus can lead to attacks on the skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, heart, and brain. Vasculitis is a kind of lupus. This indicates an enlargement of the blood vessels. This swelling is a result of the immune system attacking itself in lupus.
SLE nephritis
On the basis of the degree of kidney damage, lupus nephritis is divided into six classifications, or stages. Lupus nephritis is caused by systemic lupus erythematosus, which is commonly referred to as “lupus.” Autoantibodies, produced by the immune systems of persons with lupus, attack their own organs and tissues, including the kidneys. This is known as an autoimmunity attack. These autoantibodies induce kidney injury by collecting in the tissue and assaulting the kidneys directly.
Symptoms
Among the symptoms of lupus nephritis are:
- Protein detected in the urine (proteinuria)
- Urine may have a foamy, bubbly, or frothy appearance.
- Blood present in the pee (hematuria)
- Urine may be pink or light brown in color
- Fluid retention (edema) (edema)
- Puffiness in the legs, ankles, or eye area
- Elevated blood pressure (hypertension)
- Weight gain
- Kidney issues
- Joint pain or inflammation
- Fever for no clear reason
- Muscle ache
- A red rash that typically appears on the face, over the nose, and cheeks (known as a “butterfly rash” because of its shape).
Stages
In 2003, the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the Renal Pathology Society (RPS) modify a system devised in 1964 by the World Health Organization (WHO) to define lupus nephritis.
The six stages of lupus nephritis are as follows:
- Class I: Minimal mesangial lupus nephritis.
- Mesangial proliferative lupus nephritis (Class II)
- Class III: Lupus nephritis focal (active and chronic, proliferative, and sclerosing).
- Class IV: Lupus diffuse nephritis (active and chronic, proliferative and sclerosing, segmental, and global).
- Class V: Membranous lupus nephritis.
- Class VI: Sclerosis and lupus nephritis of advanced stages.
Diagnostic testing
The physician will conduct a physical exam and inquire about your symptoms. The provider may detect abnormal noises when listening to the heart and lungs.
The following tests may be conducted:
- The ANA titer
- BUN and phosphocreatine
- Complement levels
- Urinalysis
- Urine protein
- Biopsy of the kidney to evaluate the necessary treatment
Treatment
The objective of treatment is to enhance kidney function and postpone renal failure.
Drugs that suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, and azathioprine, may be included in medicines.
Occasionally, you may require dialysis to control the symptoms of renal failure. Kidney transplantation may be advised. Individuals with active lupus should not receive a kidney transplant since the disease can spread to the donated organ.
Complications
The most severe complication of lupus nephritis is irreversible kidney damage. Your physician may refer to this as chronic kidney disease or CKD. In severe situations, scar tissue may be visible in the kidneys.
CKD can worsen until the kidneys no longer function. This is kidney failure, however, your physician may refer to it as end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Approximately 20% of persons with lupus nephritis will eventually lose kidney function.
Although it’s possible to do everything right and yet have major lupus consequences, there are several factors that increase your risk, such as:
- Late diagnosis: it is more difficult to control lupus if the symptoms have gone untreated for several years.
- Inadequate access to health care: You may not be aware of your lupus without regular doctor appointments. And the sickness cannot be treated until you and your doctor are aware of its presence.
- Not taking your medication: If you do not adhere to the treatment measures advised by your doctor, you are more likely to experience severe flare-ups that lead to problems.
