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Impacts of Lupus on Kidney and Liver Health
Signs of lupus nephritis are visible in most patients with systemic lupus, even without kidney symptoms, making it a common but serious complication [2]. Treatment may also cause complications in other organs [2].
Lupus Nephritis and Kidney Function
Lupus nephritis impacts different kidney areas [2]. Your doctor will classify the condition based on where lupus nephritis develops and how advanced it is [2].
Eventually, the antibodies and immune cell deposits cause swelling, thickening, and scarring of the glomeruli, leading to poor filtration [2]. Your kidneys can’t reabsorb protein, causing it to leak into your urine, and they also can’t remove fluids properly, leading to swelling and weight gain [4].
You may also develop low levels of protein and high levels of fat and cholesterol in the blood, a condition known as nephrotic syndrome [6]. Advanced or untreated lupus nephritis may cause extensive scarring that leads to chronic kidney disease, persistent high blood pressure, or end-stage renal disease [2].
Lupus Liver Complications
Lupus can cause additional complications in the liver and digestive system, such as lupus hepatitis or lupus enteritis [5]. Lupus hepatitis is when the immune system attacks your liver and causes inflammation or damage, while lupus enteritis is inflammation of the bowel wall [5,7] .
Both of these conditions can occur as a symptom of active systemic lupus or as a complication of treatment. Lupus hepatitis causes elevated liver enzymes, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, gray stool, and yellow eyes and skin [8].
The Importance of Home Testing
Testing is essential for the early detection of lupus nephritis and for monitoring overall kidney function [2]. Tests may be in-office or home urine tests.
Early Detection and Regular Monitoring
Current guidelines recommend urine screening every three months after lupus diagnosis to monitor for signs of nephritis, including protein and blood in the urine [2]. Recognizing changes early on leads to prompt treatment. The earlier you start treatment, the slower the disease progresses and the better your outcomes [2].
Your doctor may order these tests, or you might do an at-home lupus self-test and have your doctor confirm the results.
Benefits of Home Testing
Lupus patients must deal with many tests and appointments. Home tests, such as the Diagnox Urinox-10 or Urine Protein Test, simplify screening and make it easy to monitor urine without disrupting your lifestyle.
The Urinox-10, for example, tests 10 parameters, providing insight into your kidney function and liver and urinary health from the comfort of your home. These dipstick tests are easy to use and provide medical-grade results, showing levels of:
Living with Lupus Nephritis
Most patients with lupus nephritis do well and have a good outlook, though you may need to take medications or other treatments long-term [4]. Maintaining healthy habits, good lupus self-care, and your treatment schedule is essential.
Lifestyle Management Strategies
Lupus symptoms may come and go through periods of flare-up and lupus remission [9]. Living with a chronic disease can be challenging, but taking an active role in your health can help. Manage your stress, exercise daily, and lean on your family for support to improve your well-being [9].
In addition, following your treatment plan is essential. See your lupus specialist regularly as instructed, and take the prescribed medications. These might include [4]:
- Corticosteroids
- Immune-suppressing drugs
- ACE inhibitors for blood pressure
- Diuretics
- Monoclonal antibodies
Diet
Changing your diet may help control your symptoms and improve your kidney function. Incorporate a kidney-friendly diet with [10]:
- Low sodium and salt
- Small portions of protein
- Lean meats
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Low-fat or fat-free dairy foods
Follow this link to learn more about diet and lifestyle tips to improve kidney health.
Monitor Kidney Health With Diagnox
Regular screening and attention to health are essential in managing kidney conditions. Diagnox's clinical-grade tests provide easy-to-read results you can trust from the comfort of your home. Gain insights into your kidney health and take action with Diagnox. Get started now.
