Lupus Nephritis

Overview

Mayo Clinic is a leader in the diagnosis and treatment of lupus nephritis; more than 200 patients with this condition are seen at Mayo Clinic each year. Specialists from Nephrology, Hypertension and Pathology work as a team to diagnose and treat lupus nephritis patients.

For example, in Rochester, patients are treated at the Mayo Clinic Glomerular/Renal Parenchymal Disease Clinic, staffed by a dedicated group of glomerular disease specialists who utilize state-of-the-art techniques, some developed at Mayo, for integrated diagnosis and treatment. In addition, Mayo physicians work closely with patients' local physicians to coordinate treatment and follow-up care.

Ongoing research efforts enhance the care provided to patients who have lupus nephritis. Mayo physician specialists and scientists collaborate in the development and conduct of clinical trials for novel therapies for lupus nephritis through the Mayo Nephrology Collaborative Group. When appropriate, patients have the opportunity to participate in these clinical studies.

Treatment Options

Treatment for lupus nephritis is directed at slowing the progression of the disease and managing symptoms such as high blood pressure, protein in the urine (proteinuria) and swelling (edema) in the hands and feet. The ultimate goal is to avoid the progression of the disease and the requirement for dialysis or kidney transplantation. Most often, patients are also evaluated by a rheumatologist. Read more about lupus nephritis treatment options.

About lupus nephritis

Lupus nephritis is an inflammation of the kidneys caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a disease that affects the body's immune system. SLE is a chronic inflammatory disease which can can harm the skin, joints, kidneys and brain.

Normally, an individual's immune system makes proteins called antibodies that attack bacteria and viruses. In patients with SLE, the immune system produces a category of antibodies, known as autoantibodies, that mistakenly attack the individual's tissues. Complexes of these autoantibodies build up in the small blood vessels (capillaries) of the kidneys and cause varying degrees of inflammation (lupus nephritis). The inflammation impairs kidney function and may lead to kidney failure.

Some patients with SLE have no symptoms. Other patients may experience weight gain, high blood pressure, swelling in the hands and feet, blood and protein in the urine, and swelling around the eyes, hands and feet. Lupus nephritis affects approximately 50 percent of patients during the first year following a diagnosis of SLE. Lupus nephritis can affect both males and females.

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