How dangerous is Lupus Nephritis?
Lupus nephritis is very dangerous. 40% of people with lupus will have it. A kidney biopsy is required to identify which of the World Health Organizaton (WHO) classes it is, because that determines the course of treatment. Left untreated, lupus nephritis can lead to kidney failure, dialysis, and the need for a tranpslant IF the patient qualifies. Typically, lupus nephritis is identified by protein or cellular casts in a routine urinalysis. It is NOT an infection. Lupus is NOT infectious. Lupus nephritis occurs when the autoimmune reactions cause problems in the glomerlui or little filters in the kidneys. The filters are supposed to catch protein and return it to the blood stream. In lupus nephritis, it allows the protein to spill into the urine. Lupus nephritis is treated with immunosuppressive chemotherapies. The WHO class determines what the nephrologist and rheumatologist will try. Unfortunately, not all drugs work the same way on all lupus patients. Cytoxan, in intravenous chemother
