User:Mr. Ibrahem/Lupus nephritis

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a type of kidney disease due to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease. Symptoms may include foamy urine, swelling of the legs, fever, and muscle pains. When it occurs, it is generally at least 3 years after the onset of SLE. Complications may include high blood pressure and kidney failure.

Risk factors include certain genetic changes. The underlying mechanism involves a type-III hypersensitivity reaction and the formation of immune complexes. These complexes than build up near the glomerular basement membrane of the kidney and lead to inflammation. Diagnosis may be suspected based on urine and blood tests, and is confirmed by a kidney biopsy.

Treatment depends on the severity of the disease. Medications to suppress the immune system such as prednisone, cyclophosphamide or hydroxychloroquine maybe used. Blood pressure may require management with medications such as ACE inhibitors, diuretics, or beta blockers. Dialysis may eventually bed required.

Up to 50% of adults and 80% of children with lupus are affected. Onset is often in young adults. Males are more commonly affected than females. While lupus was first described in 400 BC by Hippocrates, its effects on the kidneys were first documented in the early 1900s.