Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lupus-prone MRL/lpr Mice
Published on: June 8, 2022
Lupus nephritis mimicking pyelonephritis in pregnancy
Alexander Friedman1, Tanya L Dailey, Douglas Shemin
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Woman & Infants' Hospital of Rhode Island, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02905, USA. AFriedman@wihri.org
Background:
Systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) is a multisystemic autoimmune connective tissue disorder that presents with a wide range of clinical manifestations including renal involvement. Routine prenatal care includes assessment of renal function.
Case:
A 29-year-old nullipara presented at 17 weeks with fever, vomiting, and costovertebral angle tenderness 1 week after being treated for a presumed urinary tract infection. On presentation, new-onset hypertension was noted. Inpatient evaluation established a diagnosis of SLE with lupus nephritis. The pregnancy ended with intrauterine fetal demise.
Conclusion:
SLE is a disease with complex and protean clinical manifestations. It should appear on the differential when more common disease processes are ruled out. Routine prenatal care can detect otherwise silent and undiagnosed renal disease, and with early intervention improve prognosis.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology
Nephrons
