Lupus nephritis is a serious potential feature of systemic lupus erythematous (SLE). Though SLE typically cycles through periods of flares and remission, patients often eventually succumb to end-stage kidney or cardiovascular damage. This review of the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis examines the role of the complement cascade; the significance of autoantibodies, the breaking of tolerance, and the implications of altered apoptosis in breaking tolerance; and the contributions of adaptive immunity and cross-talk with the innate immune system in driving renal damage. Delineation of basic mechanisms underlying the development of acute and chronic renal damage in lupus nephritis can result in the continued development of more specific and effective treatments.
The diagnosis of lupus nephritis is based on the physical exam, medical history and evaluation of symptoms. Tests used in diagnosing kidney problems include urine tests, blood tests, imaging tests such as ultrasound, and kidney biopsy. There are five types of lupus nephritis. So the treatment given is based on the type of lupus nephritis, which is determined by the biopsy. As the symptoms and severity of lupus nephritis vary from person to person, so the treatment is given accordingly.
Last date updated on April, 2024
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