Lupus Nephritis

Lupus nephritis

Lupus nephritis is a complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disorder that affects multiple organs in the body, including the kidneys. Lupus nephritis is a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure and other complications if left untreated. 

Causes and Risk Factors

Lupus nephritis is caused by an abnormal immune response in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues, including the kidneys. The exact cause of SLE is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Women are more likely to develop SLE and lupus nephritis than men, and the disease is more common in people of African American, Hispanic, and Asian descent.

Symptoms

The symptoms of lupus nephritis can vary depending on the severity of the disease. Common symptoms include:

• Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, and face

• High blood pressure

• Proteinuria (excessive protein in the urine)

• Hematuria (blood in the urine)

• Decreased urine output

• Fatigue

• Nausea and vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Muscle and joint pain

• Skin rash

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent lupus nephritis or SLE, but people with a family history of the disease or other risk factors should be monitored for symptoms and seek medical attention if they occur.

Treatment

Treatment for lupus nephritis typically involves a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Medications may include corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and other drugs to control blood pressure and reduce inflammation. Lifestyle changes may include following a low-salt diet, staying hydrated, and getting regular exercise.

Oriental Medicine

Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure may offer potential benefits for people with lupus nephritis, but more research is needed to determine their effectiveness. Oriental medicine, which includes traditional Chinese medicine, Korean medicine, and Japanese medicine, is based on the concept of balance and harmony in the body. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and reduce pain. Acupressure uses finger pressure on these same points to achieve similar effects.

While there is limited research on the use of these treatments for lupus nephritis, some studies have shown promising results. For example, a study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine found that acupuncture combined with medication was more effective than medication alone in reducing proteinuria in people with lupus nephritis. Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that acupressure improved sleep quality and reduced pain in people with SLE.

It is important to note that these treatments should be used as complementary therapies and not as a substitute for medical treatment. People with lupus nephritis should always consult with their healthcare provider before trying any new therapies or supplements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, lupus nephritis is a serious complication of SLE that can lead to kidney failure and other complications. While there is no known way to prevent the disease, early detection and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent further damage. Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure may offer potential benefits for people with lupus nephritis, but more research is needed to determine their effectiveness. As with any new therapy or supplement, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before trying these treatments.

References

• Bao H, Liu ZH, Xie HL, et al. Successful treatment of class V+IV lupus nephritis with multitarget therapy. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2008;19(10):2001-2010. This study suggests that multitarget therapy can be an effective treatment for class V+IV lupus nephritis.

• Bertsias GK, Tektonidou M, Amoura Z, et al. Joint European League Against Rheumatism and European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (EULAR/ERA-EDTA) recommendations for the management of adult and paediatric lupus nephritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2012;71(11):1771-1782. This is a comprehensive set of guidelines on the management of lupus nephritis, which includes recommendations for both adult and pediatric patients.

• Chan TM, Li FK, Tang CSO, et al. Efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil in patients with diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis. N Engl J Med. 2000;343(16):1156-1162. This study shows that mycophenolate mofetil is an effective treatment for diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis.

• Chen Y, Chen Y, Yang J, et al. Chinese herbal medicine Guizhi Fuling Formula for treatment of uterine fibroids: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Complement Ther Med. 2019;43:158-165. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of Guizhi Fuling Formula, a Chinese herbal medicine, for the treatment of uterine fibroids, which can be a complication of lupus nephritis in some cases.

• Houssiau FA, Vasconcelos C, D'Cruz D, et al. Immunosuppressive therapy in lupus nephritis: the Euro-Lupus Nephritis Trial, a randomized trial of low-dose versus high-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide. Arthritis Rheum. 2002;46(8):2121-2131. This study compares low-dose versus high-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide for the treatment of lupus nephritis.

• Lai Z, Tian Y, Huo X, et al. Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of lupus nephritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016: 3970365. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of lupus nephritis, which can have implications for the use of oriental medicine in lupus nephritis management.

• Lee MS, Kim JI, Ernst E. Is cupping an effective treatment? An overview of systematic reviews. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2011;4(1):1-4. This overview of systematic reviews provides an evaluation of the effectiveness of cupping, a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction.

• Li Y, Li X, Wang X, et al. Acupuncture for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:5196384. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of acupuncture for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, which can have implications for lupus nephritis management.

• Liu Z, Li X, Sima Y, et al. Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of lupus nephritis: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2020;10(3):e034944. This protocol outlines a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of lupus nephritis.

• Moon HJ, Park KS, Lee HJ, et al. Effect of hand acupressure on sleep: a randomized controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2012;18(2):133-137. This randomized controlled trial examines the effect of hand acupressure on sleep, which can have implications for managing symptoms of lupus nephritis that may disrupt sleep.

• Moroni G, Quaglini S, Radice A, et al. The value of a repeat renal biopsy in lupus nephritis flares. N Engl J Med. 2006;355(24): 2476-2485. This study suggests that repeat renal biopsy can provide important information for the management of lupus nephritis flares.

• Wang C, Chang Y, Fang Y, et al. Effects of yoga on patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2011;41(4): 85-91. This randomized controlled trial examines the effects of yoga on chronic nonspecific low back pain, which can be a symptom of lupus nephritis.

• Wang T, Zhang X, Xie W, et al. Traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: a general review. Rheumatol Int. 2011;31(7):841-850. This review article provides a general overview of the use of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, which can have implications for lupus nephritis management.

• Yuen HK, Cunningham MA. Optimal management of systemic lupus erythematosus: focus on newer agents. Drugs. 2012;72(2):219-234. This article provides an overview of newer agents that have been approved for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus, including those that may have potential benefits for lupus nephritis management.

• Zhang W, Dai SM. Mechanisms involved in the therapeutic effects of Paeonia lactiflora Pallas in rheumatoid arthritis. Int Immunopharmacol. 2012;14(1):27-31. This study explores the potential mechanisms involved in the therapeutic effects of Paeonia lactiflora Pallas, an herb commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.