Lupus nephritis is a serious and often silent inflammatory kidney disease caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), in which the immune system attacks renal tissues. Immune complexes deposit in the glomeruli, triggering inflammation and progressive kidney damage. The condition usually develops within the first five years of SLE and is a major cause of illness and death among affected patients.
In the early stages, lupus nephritis may have no obvious symptoms. As damage progresses, patients may develop foamy urine from protein loss, swelling (edema) of the legs, face or hands, blood in the urine, high blood pressure and persistent fatigue, all reflecting declining kidney function. The disease results from autoantibodies such as anti–double-stranded DNA forming immune complexes that activate complement and inflammatory pathways. Repeated immune injury causes cellular proliferation, fibrosis, and gradual loss of functional nephrons, eventually impairing filtration.
Lupus nephritis is more common and often more severe in people of African, Hispanic/Latino and Asian descent and it affects women more than men. (Cos of the BAFF genes. I have treated this before). Although most cases occur in young adults, children can also be affected, often with a more aggressive course.
Severity is determined by kidney biopsy using the ISN/RPS classification. Classes I and II are mild, Classes III and IV are proliferative and severe, Class V causes heavy proteinuria, and Class VI represents advanced scarring with progression to end-stage renal disease.
Diagnosis relies on renal biopsy, supported by urine tests, blood tests for kidney function and complement levels and imaging studies. Treatment focuses on immune suppression and kidney protection, using immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine and supportive care such as blood pressure control and salt restriction.
Without treatment, lupus nephritis may progress to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure, but early diagnosis and appropriate therapy can induce remission and preserve kidney function.
#BonesTutes #ImmunoTutes
🔥 Yesterday I just buried my nephew of 25 years. He died from Lupus Nephritis - a rare kidney disease in men.
Our family is devastated by this loss!
Some members believe he was bewitched. I didn't help much because the whole village had never heard of Lupus -no local name for it