Lupus nephritis or lupus glomerulonephritis is when an inflammation of the kidney occurs and is caused by the disease of the immune system called "systemic lupus erythematosus" or "SLE". While the cause of SLE is unknown, the symptoms of this disease cause harmful effects to the brain, skin, joints, and kidneys.
It is estimated that approximately one third of the individuals who have systemic lupus erythematosus will develop lupus nephritis that will require an evaluation by a medical physician as well as some form of treatment. This symptom of SLE is a potentially serious condition that can lead to kidney failure.
The Symptoms
There are typically few apparent symptoms or signs of lupus nephritis. A patient with lupus nephritis will typically not feel pain in the abdomen or back, however, when kidney damage has occurred due to SLE, it will cause an excess amount of protein to leak from the kidneys into the urine causing frequent urination and when the urine is excreted it may appear frothy.
This loss of protein can cause "edema" which is water retention that causes the swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, and also causes an individual to gain weight. Swelling is typically not noticed in the morning and begins to occur during the day becoming progressively worse.
Diagnosis
Because of the fact that lupus nephritis typically shows no apparent symptoms, it is typically only detected through laboratory testing of blood and urine samples. When urine samples reveal protein or blood present in the urine, this is an indication of kidney damage.
If waste material such as urea and creatinine are found to be of high levels in blood samples, this is a sign of impairment in kidney functioning. In some cases a biopsy of the kidney tissue will be done that can determine the presence of lupus nephritis as well as the how far the disease has progressed.
Treatment of Lupus Nephritis
The treatment of lupus nephritis greatly depends upon how far the disease has progressed and the symptoms that the patient is experiencing. Corticosteroids may be used to suppress the immune system which will decrease the inflammation and swelling.
Other types of immunosuppressive medications that are typically used to prevent rejection when an individual receives an organ transplant or in the treatment of cancer may also be utilized. Cyclophosphamide which is a chemotherapy drug may also be used in serious cases as it is capable of decreasing the response of the immune system to various conditions and diseases.
Some individuals may need medication to control their blood pressure and may also be recommended to limit their intake of potassium, sodium, and protein in their diet. If you have systemic lupus erythematosus and are experiencing any symptoms of kidney disease, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible for an evaluation.
INTRODUCING: How To Dissolve & Pass Your Kidney Stones - PAIN FREE in Less Than 24 Hours! Wholly Natural Method! 100% GUARANTEED!! Visit: http://www.CureKidneyProblems.org
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Ahira
No comments:
Post a Comment