Overview

Lupus nephritis is a kidney disease complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disorder. It involves inflammation and kidney damage, leading to impaired kidney function. Lupus nephritis can cause symptoms such as proteinuria, hematuria, high blood pressure, and kidney dysfunction.

It is also known as Lupus in layman's language. The condition involves the production of autoantibodies that attack the kidney's tissues and muscles, leading to the disorder. The process also damages the filtration process of the kidney. The condition might also lead to inflammation of the organ leading to blood flow from urine, protein in the urine, high blood pressure, and improper organ functioning.

Causes of Lupus Nephritis

Lupus nephritis is caused by an autoimmune response in individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). While the exact cause of SLE is unknown, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors.

- Gender- Women of childbearing age, typically between 15 and 44 years old, are at the highest risk. Estimates suggest that around 90% of individuals diagnosed with SLE are women. The reason for this gender disparity is not entirely understood, but hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors are believed to play a role. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly oestrogen, may contribute to the increased susceptibility in women. However, it is important to note that while women are more prone to SLE, men can also develop the condition, albeit at a lower rate.
- Family History of the Disease- An individual's parents affected by the medical ailment are more prone to kidney disorders. The disorder runs in the family affecting the genes of an individual. Genes play a vital role in the spreading of the disease. The affected genes attack the individual's immune system, resulting in autoimmune bodies damaging the kidney and its functioning.
- Environmental Factors- Environmental factors such as UV rays, silica dust, sulfa drugs, sun-sensitising tetracycline, penicillin, and various factors can trigger Lupus. These factors might make an individual sensitive to UV rays of the sun leading to Lupus. Other factors, such as emotional stress, exhaustion, and other medical illnesses, can lead to immune-caused kidney disorders. People from industry, such as farmers, people working in factories, or people exposed to harmful gases and chemicals, are more prone to Lupus.

Symptoms of Lupus Nephritis

Mentioned below are the Lupus Nephritis symptoms that help to identify the disease in the initial stages for proper treatment:

- Oedema- Oedema is one of the symptoms of the kidney disorder. The condition involves swelling of legs, ankles, and feet due to fluid build-up. In case of swelling of the lower body, it is advised to get a medical check-up done to find out the root cause of the disorder.
- Hematuria- It is also one of the reasons for Lupus. The disorder involves blood flow in the urine, making the urine colour brownish or pinkish in the shade. This is because one might not be able to see blood in the urine. It happens due to a glomeruli leak in the urine due to glomerular disease.
- Fever- Feeling feverish is also one of the symptoms of Lupus. The affected individual might have a high temperature or might feel weak. It happens due to the inflammation or infection caused due to non-functioning the kidney. It disturbs the routine functions of the patient and may also give rise to multiple other health issues.
- Joint Pain- Pain in joints, swelling, and stiffness are common symptoms of rare kidney disorders. It happens due to swelling in the line of the joints, making them uncomfortable to move. The pain is usually observed in hands and arms under such circumstances. It is one of the common symptoms of the disease and does not cause any permanent damage.
- Proteinuria- It is also one of the symptoms of kidney disorder. An individual suffers from foamy urine, dehydration, and improper kidney and immune system functioning. To identify the illness, a doctor might suggest a urine test to know the root causes and recommend the required treatment.
- Decreased Urine Output- Reduced frequency or volume of urination.
- Skin Rash- Skin rash, typically a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose (malar rash).

Treatment Options for Lupus Nephritis

Mentioned below are the Lupus Nephritis treatment options to lower the symptoms of the kidney ailment and allow the affected individual to perform routine activities without any hassle:

- Medications- Medicines helpful to maintain normal blood pressure help lower the ailment's symptoms. Medicines that help to prevent the immune system of a human from attacking the tissues and muscles of the kidney are also suggested by a doctor to lower the disorder's risk factors. A doctor may suggest medications such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, steroids, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and belimumab to maintain normal body vital stats. A doctor may also suggest diuretics to lower the fluid accumulation in the body caused due to the improper functioning of the kidney.
- Surgery- A doctor can suggest surgeries such as dialysis or a kidney transplant if the kidney does not respond to medications. Kidney dialysis helps to eliminate the fluid accumulation in the body due to improper kidney functioning. The procedure also helps to maintain a balance of minerals in the blood by filtering waste from the body. A doctor may recommend a kidney transplant as a last resort in severe and unmanageable scenarios.
- Blood Pressure Control- Medications, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), may be prescribed to manage high blood pressure and protect the kidneys.
- Diuretics- These medications help reduce fluid retention and swelling (oedema).
- Lifestyle Modifications- A healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can help manage lupus nephritis and overall health.

When to consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Nephrology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Lupus Nephritis, also known as Lupus, is a rare kidney disorder caused due to the affected individual's immune system attacking the kidney. The organ cannot perform its functions, which may result in multiple other health issues. Proper medications and treatment options can help lower the symptoms of the medical condition.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/hemolytic-uremic-syndrome-causes-symptoms-and-treatment-options/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus-nephritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354335
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21809-lupus-nephritis