Nephritis Lupus

Question: Does lupus nephritis always lead to hypertension? I'm just wondering if a person can have lupus nephritis without ever developing hypertension? I know that lupus itself does not necessarily to hypertension, but if you have kidney involvement, does that always cause hypertension, or can you have kidney involvement with developing high blood pressure?

Answer: I can answer this question with a very high degree of accuracy. Lupus Nephritis will always cause hypertension, eventually. That is to say that a person who has initial onset of Lupus Nephritis may not start out with hypertension but as the kidney's worsen, hypertension will definately follow. It is a cause and effect...when the kidney's lose their function, hypertension sets in. If a person has been diagnosed with Lupus Nephritis but they still don't have hypertension it's becasue the kidney's haven't been severely damaged yet. As the disease progresses hypertension will ensue.

Question: How Long Can Someone Live With Lupus Nephritis? My best friend has Lupus Nephritis, (kidney lupus). And everyone else in her family who has had lupus has lived for up to 2-3 years with it. She was diagnosed in around 2006 or 2007 I think. Can someone who is well educated help me answer this question?Thank you. And just to let you know, I'm 13 and so is she, and she means the world to me so I'm just trying to figure this out. Thanks again.

Answer: If talking to her parents about her disease was not satisfying to her, then she can google search it and find out information. However when one looks up such information, it is 'generalized' and all cases are different, because there are other factors that affects the course of disease with each individual. I suggest she speak to her doctor and ask him to hold nothing back and tell her what the 'medical facts' are if she is so concerned. I, personally, put my faith in God. For only he knows how long we have. Knowing the facts of the disease isn't always good for some. Sometimes the medical opinions prevent those people to continue to hope. One has to know the 'whole' person to make such a decision (meaning, their feelings, thoughts, their attitude...their spirit.

Question: I have lupus (nephritis-kidney), is there any harm eating beets? Will they affect me or help me? Any tips on aching joints? I also, have raynaud's syndrome (hands) and my hands are constantly stiff and cold. Very hot water helps out during showers. Taking Motrin, but I don't want to make it into a habit. *******Serious answers plz******* Thx so much!!

Answer: The only reason you would have diet restrictions is if you were taking coumadin for APS(antiphospholipid syndrome), a secondary disease commonly found in people with Lupus. In this case you're supposed to watch your vitamin K intake as it can affect the coumadin dosing. As far as Lupus Nephritis goes, usually your nephrologist will tell you to moderate your intake of protein as this is what your kidneys are 'spillling' when your kidney's are acting up. Protein in the urine is not a good thing. There are mixed studies regarding this however, with some doctors feeling that your diet really has no effect. If you're taking prednisone then you should be watching your sugar (carb) and salt intake as prednisone can cause you to become diabetic as well as cause bloating which is increased with a high salt diet. As far as your stiff joints go, be careful with the motrin as it can cause stomach issues. I would look to take something like Norco, basically vicodin with a small amount of tylenol. This is a narcotic so you'll want to guard against addiction however this can really knock the immediate pain out allowing you to do other activities that may help to decrease your pain level. As far as non medication route, try warm jacuzzi soaks (if you don't have one, check your local health club where you may be able to use one). Also yoga can help with flexibility which can assist the joints. Unfortunately, there is no cure for sore and aching joints as this is a symptom of your Lupus. If they get really bad you may need to start taking or up your dosage of prednisone which will help the arthritic pain. Be careful with your Raynauld's as left unchecked this can cause necrosis. If you notice that it is becoming unbearable then you may want to take a vasodialator, a heart medication which helps to keep the capilaries in your fingertips open (the reason that you're feeling pain with the cold). I wish you the best!

Question: Is it true that using a computer too much is bad for people with lupus (systemic and nephritis)? A friend of mine who's also a retired doctor told me that, maybe I shouldn't be using my computer a lot because that may only worsen my severe condition. That I'm exposed to radiation and that's bad for my health. What do you think?

Answer: Hi, please check with a Rheumatologist...they are the doctors who specialize in autoimmune diseases and disorders. No disrespect to your friend. Sometimes, lupus patients have no other way of connecting to the outside world, hence the computer. You may also have to seek some computer expert to see exactly how much radiation is released and to what extent will make you ill. I would be just as concerned about the UV light exposure in your house. Everything is relative. Moderation is the key, I agree with the other poster. Always talk to your Rheum, and experts in the field. People may have good intentions, but...go to the sources. :)

Question: How dangerous is Lupus Nephritis?

Answer: 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 chemotherapy also used to treat breast cancer is sometimes used but in lower doses. Other patients will respond well to Cellcept, an anti rejection med that transplant patients take. I have lupus nephritis and also had a kidney biopsy. I have also been on Cellcept since October of 2003. My kidney function is pretty near normal and althought my rheumatologist has declared me to be in remission, I will remain on a low dose for life along with plaquenil, and well be monitored every three months for life. That's not a huge price to pay when you consider the alternative. I personally know two women with lupus nephritis in my city who died this year.

Question: lupus nephritis? My Boyfriend is suffering from lupus nephritis, may I know is this syptom can cure and is this syptom will eventually lead to Kidney failure ? I am so scare.... please help me!

Answer: Lupus cannot be cured, its a disease which it can only be controlled by medications such as prednisone, cellcepts and etc These medications are steriods and also used for transplant patients for anti rejection. Lupus is an auto immune disease, with lupus nephritis, the SLE attacks the kidney. Your boyfriend needs to take his medications routinely and also avoid sun exposure and avoid stress. I also have lupus nephritis, lupus nephritis can lead to kidney failure. It all depending on the activity of the lupus therefor your b/f needs to regurally see his doctor and be aware of the lupus activity. He also needs to eat healthy and exercise. Don't worry lupus is a treatable disease. With kidney failure, hemodialysis is the treatment option and another options is kidney transplant. However your Bf's lupus might be mild, kidney failure happens when the lupus becomes severe.

Question: Nephritis and Lupus? I have a son who was originally diagnosed with Nephritis. Now he has been diagnosed with Lupus also. Just wondering if there are any other parents out there with a similar situation. He is 14 and used to be very athletic before all of his symptoms hit. I need to add that he is being seen by a very well known nephrologist at the University hospital of Missouri in Columbia. He actually sees 4 different specialists there. The nephrologist, rheumatologist, endocrynologist and dermatologist. He sees his nephrologist and rhuemtologist every 6 weeks. The others about every 3 months. I would very much like to find him a support group with children close to his age. Thank you all for your replies thus far.

Answer: I offer you HOPE. My wife was diagnosed with Lupus Nephritis (Lupus is the actual cause of your sons nephritis) at age 15. She played for a state championship basketball team in high school and is now 30 and a dentist. She has had flare up's of her Lupus and has had to be hosptialized at times. The medications that they are presently using to treat Lupus Nephritis are the most advanced in years. Each and every drug study brings more weapons to the fight. Most patients are currently taking Cellcept or Myfortic (a time released version of Cellcept that can be better tolerated in the stomach). This along with Prednisone (a difficult drug to take long term but one that has no equal in controlling inflammation) seems to curb creatine levels in the urine. I'm sure you've gotten the usual warnings about sun exposure and being more prone to illness so I'll save that here. Your son will have to make some lifestyle changes such as admitting when he's not feeling well or run down but he can still participate in sports and normal teenage activities (I would make sure to caution him about alcohol). Whatever you do, please do not baby him. Nothing will destroy his ability to fight this diease more than not having a will to push on. As far as support groups...when my wife was diagnosed there was nothing for younger sufferers of Lupus. Everyone with the disease seemed to be 45-50 year olds. But nowadays with the sophisticated tests to diagnose it many many more teenagers are finding themselves having this nasty disease. There are support groups out there for young people and the best way to find them in your area is to check the lupus website...lupus.org and click on support groups and they should be able to guide you in the right direction...best of luck!!! Oh one final note: Please make sure to have your son checked for Antiphospholipid syndrome. This is a blood disease that causes clotting. 50% of Lupus patients have this disease but only 25% of them are tested. This is a very serious disease that needs to be managed with a blood thinner. It's a simple blood test but many doctors aren't informed well enough to take this test. Don't just assume it was taken.

Question: what is the extreme level of blood test of SERUM CREATININE of lupus nephritis patient of type 4 case.?

Answer: my wife was at 9000...and still didn't need dialiysis.

Question: I have lupus nephritis plus the heart attack 12months ago? just wanted to know if any women who have had similiar a condition and have gone on to having a pregnancy, I'm very concern and wishing to have a baby sometime in the next 2 years

Answer: check out these websites they may offer some help.... www.wholefruit.com www.mangoinfo.com/ www.stephensusan.natureswellnesssecret… If you have any questions please email me at xangobc@gmail.com

Question: pathophysiology of lupus nephritis needed.? Causes and cellular processes described.

Answer: Autoimmunity plays a major role in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis. The immunologic mechanisms include production of autoantibodies directed against nuclear elements. These autoantibodies form pathogenic immune complexes. In the kidneys, deposition of these immune deposits initiates an inflammatory response by activating the complement cascade and recruiting inflammatory cells that can subsequently be observed on biopsy specimens. At least three potentially overlapping, immuno-pathogenic mechanisms are supported by experimental data. First, circulating immune complexes consisting chiefly of DNA and anti-DNA are deposited in the kidney. Resulting complement activation and chemotaxis of neutrophils leads to a local inflammatory process. Second, in situ formation of antigen and antibody complexes may similarly lead to complement activation and leucocyte mediated injury. Third, antibodies against specific cellular targets may produce renal injury. Symptoms related to active nephritis may include peripheral edema secondary to hypertension or hypoalbuminemia. Extreme peripheral edema is more common in persons with diffuse proliferative or membranous lupus nephritis because these renal lesions are commonly associated with heavy proteinuria.