Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
09:43
Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lupus-prone MRL/lpr Mice
Published on: June 8, 2022
IgA nephropathy in systemic lupus erythematosus.
A Corrado1, L Quarta, A M Di Palma
1Rheumatology Unit and Division of Nephrology, University of Foggia, Ospedale Co. D'Avanzo, Foggia, Italy. ada_corrado@libero.it
Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology
|July 17, 2007
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients can develop non-lupus nephritis, a rare condition. This case highlights IgA nephropathy (IgAN) in an SLE patient, emphasizing the need for renal biopsy to guide appropriate treatment and avoid unnecessary immunosuppression.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Renal involvement is common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
- Non-lupus nephritis occurring concurrently with SLE is infrequently reported.
- Distinguishing between lupus nephritis and other glomerulonephritides is crucial for patient management.
Observation:
- A case study of a female patient diagnosed with both SLE and IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is presented.
- The patient exhibited urinary alterations requiring diagnostic investigation.
- Clinical, laboratory, and histopathologic features were analyzed to differentiate the conditions.
Findings:
- IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and lupus nephritis share some pathophysiological similarities.
- Distinct laboratory findings, histopathology, and extra-renal manifestations differentiate IgAN from lupus nephritis.
- The case underscores the diagnostic challenges in co-existing autoimmune and renal diseases.
Implications:
- Renal biopsy is essential for accurate diagnosis in SLE patients with urinary abnormalities.
- Correctly identifying non-lupus nephritis prevents the use of potentially harmful, unnecessary immunosuppressive therapies.
- Tailored treatment based on precise diagnosis improves outcomes for SLE patients with renal complications.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of fluid...
01:20Renal Corpuscle
The glomerulus and Bowman's capsule are two essential components of the nephron, which is the functional unit of the kidney. These microscopic structures play a critical role in the process of blood filtration to produce urine.
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous capillaries...
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous capillaries...
01:28Diabetic Nephropathy
Definition Diabetic nephropathy is a chronic kidney complication that results from prolonged hyperglycemia.Prevalence It is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide, affecting up to half of individuals with diabetes.Pathophysiology • Sustained hyperglycemia triggers multiple hemodynamic and metabolic changes in the kidney. • Early in the disease, increased renal blood flow and glomerular hyperfiltration occur due to afferent arteriolar...
01:26Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management
IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document any history...
01:24Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management
Nursing management for nephrotic syndrome adapts as the disease progresses, with strategies evolving to address advancing symptoms and complications.Early-Stage Management In the early stages, nursing interventions for nephrotic syndrome resemble those used in managing acute glomerulonephritis, focusing on symptom monitoring, fluid balance, and managing mild to moderate edema.Vital Signs: Regularly monitor blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and temperature to promptly identify...
01:10Nephrons
The kidneys are intricate organs with millions of working units known as nephrons. Each nephron features two major structures: the renal corpuscle, which facilitates blood plasma filtration, and the renal tubule, which handles the glomerular filtrate. Blood supply is directly linked to the nephrons. The renal corpuscle consists of the glomerulus, a capillary network, and the Bowman's capsule, a double-walled epithelial structure that encases the glomerulus. The filtering of blood plasma happens...