Lupus Nephritis

Overview

Systemic lupus erythematosus (more commonly known as "lupus") is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system produces proteins, known as autoantibodies, which attack your own body. Lupus nephritis occurs when lupus autoantibodies affect the filtering structures (glomeruli) of your kidneys. This abnormal process results in kidney inflammation and may lead to blood in the urine, (hematuria), protein in the urine (proteinuria), impaired kidney function or even kidney failure.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for lupus nephritis

• Expertise and experience. The large number of kidney specialists (nephrologists) at Mayo Clinic allows doctors to subspecialize in specific aspects of kidney medicine. A number of Mayo Clinic nephrologists specialize in lupus nephritis and care for people from all over the world who have the disease.
• Teamwork approach. Lupus can affect almost any part of the body, and people with lupus can have very different symptoms. In Mayo's multidisciplinary practice, your doctor can easily tap into the expertise of other Mayo specialists, including rheumatologists, cardiologists, gastroenterologists and pathologists, to develop an appropriate treatment plan to improve your quality of life.
• New ideas. Mayo is doing research to better understand this condition and to test novel therapies for lupus nephritis through the Mayo Nephrology Collaborative Group. You may have the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial.
• Coordinated care. Mayo doctors work closely with your local doctor to coordinate treatment and follow-up care.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., are ranked among the Best Hospitals for kidney disorders by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., is ranked high performing for kidney disorders by U.S. News & World Report.