Lupus nephritis

Lupus nephritis
Other names	SLE nephritis[1]
Micrograph of diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis showing increased mesangial matrix and mesangial hypercellularity. Kidney biopsy. PAS stain.
Specialty	Nephrology
Symptoms	Joint pain or swelling[2]
Causes	Complication of systemic lupus erythematosus.[3]
Diagnostic method	Complement levels, Urinalysis[3]
Treatment	Corticosteroids may be used[3]

Lupus nephritis is an inflammation of the kidneys caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease.^[3] It is a type of glomerulonephritis in which the glomeruli become inflamed. Since it is a result of SLE, this type of glomerulonephritis is said to be secondary, and has a different pattern and outcome from conditions with a primary cause originating in the kidney.^[4][2] The diagnosis of lupus nephritis depends on blood tests, urinalysis, X-rays, ultrasound scans of the kidneys, and a kidney biopsy. On urinalysis, a nephritic picture is found and red blood cell casts, red blood cells and proteinuria is found.