Roger A. Levy, MD, Senior Global Medical Director, GSK Specialty Medicine, discusses Lupus nephritis, a rare kidney disorder.
Lupus nephritis is a rare autoimmune, kidney disorder that is a complication of systemic lupus erythematous, commonly known as lupus. While manifestations may vary, common symptoms include:
- blood in the urine
- foamy appearance to the urine
- high blood pressure
- swelling in any part of the body
This subtype of Lupus can be difficult to diagnose when it is the first manifestation of lupus in a patient. Alternatively, only about 60% of lupus patients will experience lupus nephritis. A kidney biopsy is the standard for diagnosing the disease.
As Dr. Levy explains, lupus treatments have varied over the years, with high dose steroids and immune suppressors being traditional. However, these options have never targeted the long-term effects of lupus, just the short-term symptom flares. In recent years, progress has been made toward more individualized treatment plans that are more effective and safe.
In 2020, a study of belimumab communicated positive results for the Lupus nephritis community. When utilized together with other treatment options, belimumab caused more patients to go into complete renal remission and less relapses and flares than with immunosuppressants and steroids alone. Preserved kidney function was also observed.
This study led the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome group (KDIGO) to release 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Lupus Nephritis, recommending the use of belimumab early in treatment and throughout symptom maintenance.
For more information on lupus and other rare kidney diseases, visit https://checkrare.com/diseases/kidney-and-urinary-diseases/