The Relationship between Lupus and Kidney Disease

What is Lupus?
2 Types of Lupus
1. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
2. Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE)
Lupus Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms that may indicate SLE and possible kidney damage include foamy urine and swelling. Your doctor may perform the following tests on your kidneys:
- Urine test to see whether protein or blood is present in your urine
- Blood test to see how much creatinine—a waste product your body makes and your kidneys filter—is in your bloodstream
- Kidney biopsy to examine a small sample of your kidney under a microscope and determine if lupus is causing any inflammation or scarring5
Dermatologists—skin care doctors—can use a skin biopsy to determine whether you have DLE. Your dermatologist will collect a small skin sample for another expert to examine under a microscope to see if you have DLE.4
SLE and DLE Treatments and Prevention
- Immunosuppressant drugs and corticosteroids weaken your inflammatory response so they don’t do as much harm to your kidneys.
- Blood pressure medications can protect your kidneys while lowering blood pressure and the amount of protein in your urine. High blood pressure may be a side effect of your treatment.7
- Diuretics—also known as water pills—help the kidneys release extra fluid and sodium in your body. This can reduce any swelling. You may have to use the bathroom more frequently because your body removes excess fluid through the urine.7
- Steroid ointments to lower inflammation and decrease swelling
- Anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce pain and swelling
- Antimalarial medicines to reduce rashes and joint pain
- Calcineurin inhibitors to decrease inflammation
Getting the Right Diagnosis and Treatment
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References
1 “Understanding Lupus Nephritis,” Fresenius Kidney Care, accessed March 31, 2022, https://www.freseniuskidneycare.com/thrive-central/lupus-nephritis.
2 “Diagnosing lupus,” Lupus Foundation of America, last updated April 20, 2020, https://www.lupus.org/resources/diagnosing-lupus-guide.
3 “Lupus,” American College of Rheumatology,, last updated December 2021, https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Lupus.
4 “Discoid Lupus,” Cleveland Clinic, last reviewed September 13, 2021, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21808-discoid-lupus.
5 “What is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?”.Lupus Foundation of America, last updated March 18, 2021, https://www.lupus.org/resources/what-is-systemic-lupus-erythematosus-sle.
6 “Lupus and the kidneys,” Lupus Foundation of America, last updated January 13, 2021, https://www.lupus.org/resources/how-lupus-affects-the-renal-kidney-system.
7 “Lupus nephritis: Symptoms, treatment and complications,” American Kidney Fund,, accessed March 22, 2022, https://www.kidneyfund.org/all-about-kidneys/other-kidney-diseases/lupus-nephritis-symptoms-treatment-and-complications.