Lupus Nephritis: 6 Classes of Kidney Disease

Lupus nephritis – Advanced definition Lupus nephritis is a specific type of inflammation in the kidneys known as a glomerulonephritis. In this type of disease, the glomeruli are inflamed. The glomerulus is a network of tiny tubes that transport blood, known as capillaries. It is found at the beginning of the nephron in the kidney. Because of some specific blood circulation patterns in this part of the body, there is a lot of hydrostatic pressure in the glomerulus. This pressure is used for ultrafiltration, a process that removes large proteins from the blood cells so that it can be removed from the body in urine. As part of this process, the glomerus is filled with mesangial cells. These cells make up 30-40% of the cells in the glomerulus. Mesangial cells work to keep this filtering mechanism clean and clear of excess proteins or other residue. Many tools can be used to diagnose lupus nephritis including blood tests, urinalysis, x-rays, and ultrasounds. Kidney biopsies are also a crucial part of the diagnostic and classification process, even though they are invasive. Because kidney biopsies are invasive, recent analysis has examined their role. A 2016 article published in Reumatologia explored the question and concluded that: “In daily practice initial and repeat renal biopsies remain an important and valuable tool.” This sentiment was echoed in a 2012 journal article in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

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