Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 1, 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
3.4K
Cryptococcal meningitis in patients with lupus nephritis
1Department of Nephrology, Seventh People's Hospital of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, 310000, China.
Clinical Rheumatology
|December 16, 2019
Summary
Lupus nephritis patients with cryptococcal meningitis often show severe kidney damage, high disease activity, and low CD4+ T cells. These factors, along with high-dose steroids and proteinuria, are key risks for this rare infection.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is uncommon in lupus nephritis (LN) patients.
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for early diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical features, risk factors, and outcomes of LN patients diagnosed with CM.
- To identify predictors of CM in the LN population.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of medical records from 16 LN patients with CM.
- Comparison with 32 age- and sex-matched LN patients without infection.
Main Results:
- CM patients presented with headache (93.7%) and had higher prednisone doses, SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), urine protein/creatinine ratio, and lower CD4+ T cell counts.
- Renal biopsies revealed more severe mesangial proliferation in CM patients.
- Significant differences noted in SLEDAI, prednisone dose, CD4+ T cell counts, and renal pathology between groups (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Severe renal pathology, proteinuria, elevated SLEDAI, high-dose prednisone, and decreased CD4+ T cells are potential risk factors for CM in LN.
- Serious renal pathological changes may be a primary risk factor for CM in lupus nephritis.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
773
Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
773
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
349
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
349
01:26Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management
164
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...
164
01:24Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
439
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...
439
01:24Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management
246
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...
246