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Lupus nephritis

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Lupus nephritis, which is a kidney disorder, is a complication of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Alternative Names

Nephritis - lupus; Lupus glomerular disease



Normally, the immune system helps protect the body from infection or harmful substances. But in people with an autoimmune disease, the immune system cannot tell the difference between harmful substances and healthy ones. As a result, the immune system attacks otherwise healthy cells and tissues.

SLE may damage different parts of the kidney. This can lead to disorders such as:


Symptoms of lupus nephritis include:

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. Abnormal sounds may be heard when the provider listens to your heart and lungs.

Tests that may be done include:



Medicines may include drugs that suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, or azathioprine.


Outlook (Prognosis)

How well you do, depends on the specific form of lupus nephritis. You may have flare-ups, and then times when you do not have any symptoms.

Some people with this condition develop long-term (chronic) kidney failure.


Possible Complications

Complications that may result from lupus nephritis include:

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your provider if you have blood in your urine or swelling of your body.

If you have lupus nephritis, call your provider if you notice decreased urine output.


Treating lupus may help prevent or delay onset of lupus nephritis.


Kidney anatomy


Hahn BH, McMahon M, Wilkinson A, et al. American College of Rheumatology guidelines for screening, case definition, treatment and management of lupus nephritis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2012;64(6):797-808. PMCID: 3437757 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3437757.

Wadhwani S, Jayne D, Rovin BH. Lupus nephritis. In: Feehally J, Floege J, Tonelli M, Johnson RJ, eds. Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 26.

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