Question 1

What is lupus nephritis?

Accepted Answer

Lupus nephritis is inflammation of the kidneys caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Immune complexes deposit in the glomeruli, triggering inflammation that impairs filtering, leading to proteinuria, hematuria, hypertension, and potential kidney damage.
Source: Mayo Clinic

Question 2

Is lupus nephritis life-threatening?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Lupus nephritis can progress to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure needing dialysis or transplantation if untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to preserve kidney function.
Source: NIDDK (NIH)

Question 3

How is lupus nephritis diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Diagnosis typically involves urine tests (to detect protein or blood), blood tests for kidney function, and sometimes a kidney biopsy to determine the specific type and severity of the inflammation.

Question 4

What are the symptoms of lupus nephritis?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms may include foamy urine, blood in the urine, swelling in the legs or around the eyes, high blood pressure, and weight gain due to fluid retention. In some cases, symptoms are mild or unnoticed.

Question 5

How is lupus nephritis treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment may involve corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and medications to control blood pressure or reduce protein loss. The approach depends on the class and severity of the nephritis.

Question 6

What are the risks of untreated lupus nephritis?

Accepted Answer

Untreated disease may progress to chronic kidney disease or ESRD (end-stage renal disease) requiring dialysis or transplant. Around 10–30% of patients may reach kidney failure over time.
Source: Wikipedia (summarizing studies)

Question 7

Can lupus nephritis go into remission?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with timely and appropriate treatment, lupus nephritis can go into remission, meaning symptoms reduce or disappear and kidney function stabilizes. Ongoing monitoring is still essential.

Question 8

How common is lupus nephritis?

Accepted Answer

Lupus nephritis affects about 40–60% of people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is more common and often more severe in individuals of African American, Hispanic, and Asian descent.

Question 9

What is Class IV lupus nephritis?

Accepted Answer

Class IV—diffuse proliferative nephritis—is the most severe and common form, affecting over 50% of glomeruli. It often causes heavy proteinuria, hypertension, and has the highest risk of progression to kidney failure.
Source: Wikipedia

Question 10

What is the WHO classification of lupus nephritis?

Accepted Answer

The WHO system classifies lupus nephritis into six classes (I–VI) based on kidney biopsy findings. These range from mild (Class I) to severe (Class IV and V), helping guide treatment decisions.

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