Lupus nephritis history and symptoms
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Omer Kamal, M.D. [2]
Overview
A positive history of familial lupus, skin rashes (especially photosensitive skin rashes), arthritis, and fatigue may be suggestive of systemic lupus erythematosus. The most common symptoms of SLE include constitutional symptoms like fatigue, fever, myalgia, and weight changes. The organ-specific symptom mostly occur with disease progression. SLE may show a variety of symptoms in different organs depending on its complications. eg.g Foamy urine.
History[edit | edit source]
Obtaining the history is one of the most important aspects in making a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus. It provides insight into disease course and severity, precipitating risk factors, and associated comorbid conditions. Complete history will help determine the correct complication diagnosis, and helps in determining the prognosis as well. Specific histories about the symptoms (duration, onset, progression), associated symptoms, and drug usage have to be obtained. Specific areas of focus when obtaining the history are outlined below:
- Onset, duration and progression of symptoms
- History of weight changes (gain or loss)
- Foamy urine
- Anorexia
- Arthritis, arthralgias, or muscle pain
- Morning stiffness
- Skin rashes and their association to flare ups, especially after exposure to sunlight
- Medications and their association to flare ups
- Infections especially mononucleosis
- Sores in the mouth, nose, or other mucous membranes
- Symptoms of other organ failure
- Renal failure: Recent peripheral edema and weight gain
- Cardiac involvement: Tachycardia, dyspnea, chest pains
- History of having a pet
- Hair loss
- Job history
- Co-morbid conditions include:
- Seizures, or other nervous system symptoms
- Family history of rheumatologic diseases
Common Symptoms[edit | edit source]
The early manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus include common constitutional symptoms that may be seen in many other diseases as well:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Myalgia
- Joint tenderness
- Muscle weakness
- Weight change
- Weight gain due to increase in water retention and increase in appetite
- Weight loss due to medication side effect and gastrointestinal problems