Is kidney biopsy essential to make the diagnosis of Lupus Nephritis?
Yes. Unfortunately, kidney biopsy is the only way to tell if the kidneys are definitely involved due to lupus. It also determines the degree of inflammation in the kidneys, so that your doctor can decide the correct treatment for you. It can also predict the long term outcome. Is there any thing I can do to prevent Lupus Nephritis? Unfortunately, there is nothing specific you can do to prevent Lupus Nephritis. There is no special diet or life style modification that can prevent Lupus Nephritis. Treatment of Lupus Nephritis The treatment of Lupus Nephritis depends on the degree of inflammation determined on the biopsy. A) Mild Lupus Nephritis – Treated with intravenous and oral steroids. Outcome is generally good. B) Severe Lupus Nephritis – Needs more aggressive treatment and outcome is variable. This is treated initially with intravenous steroids followed by cyclophosphamide. The dose and number of cyclophosphamide injections needed depends on the degree of inflammation in the kidney,
