Lupus Nephritis Flashcards
(11 cards)
What is lupus nephritis?
A severe manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that can result in end-stage renal disease.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organ systems.
How should SLE patients be monitored for lupus nephritis?
By performing urinalysis at regular check-up appointments to rule out proteinuria.
Proteinuria is the presence of excess proteins in the urine, which can indicate kidney damage.
What is Class I in the WHO classification of lupus nephritis?
Normal kidney.
This class indicates no significant abnormalities in kidney structure or function.
What does Class II represent in the classification of lupus nephritis?
Mesangial glomerulonephritis.
This class involves changes in the mesangial cells of the glomeruli.
What is the most common and severe form of lupus nephritis according to WHO classification?
Class IV: diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis.
This form is characterized by widespread inflammation and damage to the kidney glomeruli.
What are characteristic findings in renal biopsy for Class IV lupus nephritis?
- Endothelial and mesangial proliferation in glomeruli
- ‘Wire-loop’ appearance
- Thickened capillary wall due to immune complex deposition
- Subendothelial immune complex deposits on electron microscopy
- Granular appearance on immunofluorescence
These findings indicate significant immune-mediated damage to the kidneys.
What is the initial therapy for focal (Class III) or diffuse (Class IV) lupus nephritis?
Glucocorticoids with either mycophenolate or cyclophosphamide.
Glucocorticoids are anti-inflammatory medications that help control immune response.
What is the preferred subsequent therapy for lupus nephritis to decrease the risk of end-stage renal disease?
Mycophenolate is generally preferred to azathioprine.
Mycophenolate is an immunosuppressant that helps prevent kidney damage.
Fill in the blank: Class III in the WHO classification of lupus nephritis is known as _______.
focal (and segmental) proliferative glomerulonephritis.
True or False: Class VI in the WHO classification indicates sclerosing glomerulonephritis.
True.
This class indicates advanced scarring in the kidney glomeruli.
What is a common complication of lupus nephritis that requires management?
Hypertension.
Managing blood pressure is crucial in preventing further kidney damage.
