Prognosis

Lupus nephritis is a disease which can be managed and will need close interaction between you and your care team. Patients may need to take medication or be under treatment for many years. However, even patients who have less symptoms and less active disease should have periodic checkups.

Treatment

LN can be treated with drugs that block the body’s immune system from attacking its own cells and tissues as well as drugs to control some of the other manifestations of SLE and LN. Part of the treatment can include:

• Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs: these are medications used to block the immune system from attacking the kidneys.

> Steroids: work quickly and reduce inflammation by reducing the immune response

> Calcineurin inhibitors: Block the activation of certain parts of the immune system and can prevent inflammation and damage to the kidneys

> Chemotherapy: some patients may be treated with a chemotherapy drug that reduces the activity of the immune system

> Antimetabolites: reduce the activity of the immune system by targeting enzymes

• Hydroxychloroquine: is an antimalarial drug that in lupus patients helps to regulate the immune system.

• Monoclonal antibodies: may be used to reduce the activity of the immune system, which can help to reduce SLE and LN symptoms.

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs): these drugs are used to control the blood pressure.

• Diuretics: these medications help your body and kidneys get rid of the excess liquid and swelling. They also work for controlling the blood pressure.

• Diet improvements: reducing salt intake (sodium) and protein in the daily diet can help lighten the burden on the kidneys.