Lupus nephritis (patient information): Difference between revisions
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:*Cytotoxic drugs or drugs that suppress the immune system. These are typically given to people who have lupus nephritis to prevent kidney damage. | :*Cytotoxic drugs or drugs that suppress the immune system. These are typically given to people who have lupus nephritis to prevent kidney damage. | ||
*[[Dialysis]] | *[[Dialysis]] | ||
*[Kidney transplant]] | *[[Kidney transplant]] | ||
==Diseases with similar symptoms== | ==Diseases with similar symptoms== | ||
Revision as of 13:35, 21 April 2010
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What is lupus nephritis?
How do I know if I have lupus nephritis and what are the symptoms of lupus nephritis?
Some patients may show no signs and symptoms of lupus nephritis. Usual symptoms include:
- Blood in the urine
- Foamy appearance to urine
- Hypertension
- Swelling of any area of the body, especially around the eyes.
- Weight gain
Who is at risk for lupus nephritis?
The underlying cause of this autoimmune disease is not clear.
How to know you have lupus nephritis ?
- Urinalysis: Patients with lupus nephritis may demonstrate blood or protein in the urine which is a sign of kidney damage.
- Anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) titer: Anti-nuclear antibody titer was the first indication that processes affecting the cell nucleus were responsible for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is used to measure the pattern and amount of autoantibody. In patients with lupus nephritis, it is higher than normal.
- Blood tests: Patients with lupus nephritis may demonstrate elevated BUN and creatinine. These are damages of kidney function.
- Kidney images such as x-ray, ultrasound and CT: These images can show the shape and size of the surfaces of the kidney, and tell the stucture of the kidney. They may help doctor exclude other diseases in the kidney.
- Kidney biopsy: This biopsy can confirm the diagnosis of lupus nephritis and determine how far the damages have developed. During this procedure, the doctor insert a long needle through the skin to obtain a kidney tissue sample for examination with a microscope. And more important, the result of biopsy can help select appropriate treatment for patients.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your doctor if your symptoms of lupus nephritis develop.
Treatment options
The goal of treatment is to improve kidney function.
- General treatments
- Take a kidney disease diet, limiting protein, sodium, and potassium in your diet.
- Maintain your weight
- Have a bedrest
- Avoid nephrotoxicity drugs
- Medicines
- Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids can decrease swelling and inflammation by suppressing the immune system. Side effects of corticosteroids may include a decreased ability against infection, worse healing in the wound and osteoporosis.
- Immunosuppressants: Immunosuppressive drugs, such as cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, or azathioprine, may be used if the patient has an inadequate response or excessive sensitivity to corticosteroids.
- Cytotoxic drugs or drugs that suppress the immune system. These are typically given to people who have lupus nephritis to prevent kidney damage.
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for lupus nephritis?
Directions to Hospitals Treating lupus nephritis
Prevention of lupus nephritis
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Copyleft Sources
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/lupusnephritis/
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000481.htm
http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/000481.htm
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/330369-overview
http://www.csmc.edu/Patients/Health-Conditions/Lupus-Nephritis.aspx