Lupus Nephritis: Know the Signs and Join the Research

According to the Lupus Foundation of America, about 1.5 million Americans are affected by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is a chronic condition that can affect the skin, joints, and organ systems in the body. It occurs as a result of the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking its own tissues and organs. It affects people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds, but Black women are most impacted by this condition. 

When lupus severely affects the kidneys and causes kidney disease, it is called lupus nephritis. This is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the kidney in patients with SLE. 

Lupus nephritis is a common but serious lupus-related health complication, affecting up to 60% of lupus patients. Blacks, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics are all populations at high risk for developing lupus nephritis.

In severe cases, lupus nephritis may cause permanent kidney scarring. Patients with lupus nephritis are at a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer and heart problems. Without adequate treatment, lupus nephritis may result in impaired kidney function, and many patients progress to end stage renal disease requiring dialysis or kidney transplant.

There is no cure for this disease, but treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent disease progression.

If you have been diagnosed with lupus nephritis, consider participating in a clinic trial. Click here to learn more about an ongoing study of an investigational medication.

Is it Lupus Nephritis?

Recognizing lupus nephritis involves understanding the signs and symptoms that indicate kidney involvement. Signs and symptoms may vary. Some symptoms may not be noticeable initially and may take up to 5 years to be recognized. The most common symptoms include:

• Weight gain
• Swelling (usually in the legs, feet, ankles, or around the eyes)
• Urine changes
  • Frequent urination
  • Blood or protein in urine (may only be visible under a microscope)
  • Dark urine
  • Foamy, frothy urine
• High levels of waste (creatinine) in your blood
• High blood pressure

If you are experiencing symptoms or have concerns, your healthcare provider can complete further testing to determine if a lupus nephritis diagnosis is appropriate. 

Join the Research

Early detection is key to being proactive about preventing further kidney damage and ensuring optimal treatment outcomes. Regular checkups and communication with your healthcare provider are equally as important. 

Clinical trials are another way to raise awareness and improve treatment options, as researchers test new possible therapies and gain a deeper understanding of the condition as a whole. Participating in a clinical trial allows you to contribute to the advancement of your own health and the lupus community at large. 

Currently, due to a number of different factors, Black patients are unfortunately underrepresented in clinical trials. Improving representation in medical research is a collective effort that may involve you taking the first step. You may be able to participate in an important new study and potentially avoid further damage to your kidneys. 

Join the search for a better way to protect your kidneys. Learn more here.

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References:

1. NIH – Lupus and Kidney Disease (Lupus Nephritis)
2. Lupus Foundation of America – Lupus Facts and Statistics
3. CDC – Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
4. National Kidney Foundation – Lupus and Kidney Disease (Lupus Nephritis)
5. Lupus Foundation of America – What is Lupus Nephritis?
6. American Kidney Fund – Lupus Nephritis: Symptoms, treatment, and complications
7. NIH – The State of Lupus Clinical Trials: Minority Participation Needed
8. National Kidney Foundation – Are Clinical Trials Safe?