Lupus Nephritis is a serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus
(SLE). In most cases, it develops in the early course of SLE, but it can occur
late. Delayed Lupus Nephritis is more common than previously recognized. As
Lupus Nephritis is the most common death cause of the patients with SLE and the
mortality is higher for lupus patients who develop nephritis than those who do
not, it is very important for the patients with SLE to keep on the lookout for
the signs of Lupus Nephritis.
1. Asymptomatic proteinuria or/and hematuria: Asymptomatic proteinuria or/and
hematuria are very common among the patients with Lupus Nephritis. The
proteinuria (urine protein<2.5 grams per day) and hematuria are mainly
mild-moderate
2. Acute Nephritis Syndrome: This type is rare. The symptoms of Acute
Nephritis Syndrome are very similar to Acute Nephritis caused by streplococcal
infection.
3. Rapidly Progressive Nephritis Syndrome: It is rare type of Lupus Nephritis
among the patients with SLE. Clinically, it is very similar to Rapidly
Progressive Glomerulonephritis. Rapidly Progressive Nephritis Syndrome is bad.
In about 3 months, the creatine level may double and it may develop into Uremia
in several months and even weeks.
4. Nephrotic Syndrome: Nephrotic Syndrome is very common for the patients
with Lupus Nephritis and covers about 2/3 of the total population. However, most
patients do not have hyperlipidemia. Untreated effectively, it will progress
into Uremia in 2 to 3 years. This pathological type of Lupus Nephritis is often
mistaken for Primary Nephrotic Syndrome so the patients need to have an accurate
diagnosis before receiving treatment.
5. Chronic Nephritis Syndrome: If the patients with SLE develop Chronic
Nephritis Syndrome, they will have persistent proteinuria, hematuria, edema,
high blood pressure, anemia and renal insufficiency and so on. The disease
course can last for a long time and develops into Uremia if without treatment in
time.
6. In rare cases of Lupus Nephritis, the patients may have the symptoms of
Tubular Nephritis and Interstitial Nephritis. The specific gravity and/or
osmotic pressure decreases and the urine output increases at night along with
electrolyte disturbance and other symptoms.
As the prognosis associated with Lupus Nephritis is poor, it is very
important for them to receive effective treatment in time if they have the above
symptom.
If you want to know more information about other aspects on Lupus Nephritis
treatment, prognosis, daily care and so on, you can email to kidney-treatment@hotmail.com .