This is one of the common problems caused by the systemic lupus erythematosus that affects the kidneys. The two types of lupus are systemic lupus erythematosus that affects the skin, joints, kidneys and the discoid lupus erythematosus which only affects the skin. Lupus is the autoimmune disease when the body’s immune system accidentally attacks the healthy cells such as the kidneys. Lupus nephritis causes swelling or the scarring of the small blood vessels that is responsible for filtering the waste substances. As the kidney problem progressively deteriorates, it can lead to kidney failure and the affected individual may require dialysis or kidney transplant as the only treatment option.
Causes
The exact cause is not known. It may develop as the result of various environmental triggers such as infections, exposure to certain viruses, toxic chemicals and pollutants such as dust. It is estimated that most of the individuals affected with lupus are women.
Symptoms
The symptoms can be different for the affected individuals. Some of the common symptoms of lupus nephritis include foamy urine, high blood pressure and the swelling of the limbs, ankles, hands and the face from the accumulation of fluid. Additional symptoms can include weight gain, protein in the urine (proteinuria) and the presence of blood in the urine (hematuria). The kidney problem can begin shortly after the lupus symptoms which can include joint pain, muscle pain, fever and the red rash commonly on the face (butterfly rash).
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is possible with a physical examination, an evaluation of the individual’s medical history and with various tests. The urine test can identify the presence of blood and protein in the urine which can be an indication of kidney damage. The urine sample will also be observed under the microscope to detect kidney cells. The blood tests are used to check the function of the kidneys and measures creatinine to estimate the glomerular filtration rate. In some cases, the kidney biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis and to assess the progression of the disease.
Treatment
There is no cure for this condition and the focus of the treatment is to lower the immune system activity, maintain remission, to reduce symptoms and to reduce the inflammation in the kidneys. The treatment is based on suppressing the immune system so it can stop damaging the kidneys. Medications are also needed for the management of symptoms such as high blood pressure, the swelling of the limbs from fluid accumulation and the protein in the urine. Individuals with kidney problems are also required to make changes to the diet such as reducing salt and protein intake. Treatment for kidney failure includes dialysis to remove the waste from the body and to balance the blood minerals. A kidney transplant is the only treatment option for the severe cases.
References
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus-nephritis/ovc-20236614
http://www.lupusresearchinstitute.org/lupus-facts/fight-lupus/lupus-and-your-kidneys
https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/lupus
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/lupus-nephritis