Lupus Nephritis

Lupus nephritis is inflammation and damage in your kidneys due to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE is the most common form of lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that triggers your immune system to attack your tissues. In addition to your kidneys, lupus can damage your brain, heart, joints, skin and other parts of your body.

Lupus nephritis prevents your kidneys from:

• Controlling blood pressure and blood volume.
• Filtering wastes out of your blood.
• Maintaining the right levels of body fluids, including salts, acids and minerals.
• Regulating hormone levels.

It can lead to a variety of serious health problems, including kidney failure and end-stage renal disease.

Who gets lupus nephritis?

Only adults and children with lupus can develop lupus nephritis. You’re more likely to get lupus if you:

• Are a woman (9 out of 10 people with lupus are women) between the ages of 15 and 44, though men are more likely to develop lupus nephritis.
• Are of Black, Native American, Hispanic/Latino, Pacific Islander or of Asian descent.
• Come in contact with certain infections, viruses, toxic chemicals or pollutants in the environment.
• Have a family history of the disease.
• Have another autoimmune disease.

How common is lupus nephritis?

About 50% of adults with lupus will develop lupus nephritis. About 80% of children with lupus will develop this kidney condition.