Lupus nephritis
Evidence: Antibody
Names
Lupus nephritis
Description
Lupus nephritis is a complication in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune condition causing inflammation of the body’s tissues. Lupus nephritis targets the kidneys, causing damage and inflammation, which prevents normal function and may lead to kidney failure. Significant delay or lack of treatment can be fatal, but early medical care can manage symptoms and result in a good prognosis.
Patient Groups
Prevalence
US Cases: 66,000 - 70,000 [Wang 2018 and Lim 2014], based on 29% of patients with SLE developing lupus nephritis. SLE prevalence as reported by Georgia and Michigan registries: 72.1-74.4 per 100,000 people (Lim 2014).
Note from Lim: Black women had an incidence rate nearly 3 times higher than that for white women with a significantly higher rate in the 30 to 59 years age group … . The age-adjusted prevalence rate for women was nearly 9 times higher (127.6 vs. 14.7) than that for men. Black women had very high rates (196.2). A striking difference was seen in the proportion with end-stage renal disease in prevalent cases, with a sevenfold greater involvement among blacks.
Typical Age of onset
At least 3 years after SLE symptoms begin to appear (SLE may occur at any age but most common in women of child-bearing age)
Symptoms
Weight gain
High blood pressure
Swelling in your legs, ankles, arms, and hands that worsens throughout the day
Blood in your urine
Headache and dizziness
Nausea and vomiting
Foamy urine
Rash or ulcers of the nose or mouth
References
American College of Rheumatology
Medline
Mayo Clinic
Medscape
Musa et al (2020)
Vaillant et al (2020)
WebMD
Profile by Salma Fleifil
