pathophysiology of lupus nephritis needed.?

---

Causes and cellular processes described.
Autoimmunity plays a major role in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis. The immunologic mechanisms include production of autoantibodies directed against nuclear elements. These autoantibodies form pathogenic immune complexes. In the kidneys, deposition of these immune deposits initiates an inflammatory response by activating the complement cascade and recruiting inflammatory cells that can subsequently be observed on biopsy specimens. At least three potentially overlapping, immuno-pathogenic mechanisms are supported by experimental data. First, circulating immune complexes consisting chiefly of DNA and anti-DNA are deposited in the kidney. Resulting complement activation and chemotaxis of neutrophils leads to a local inflammatory process. Second, in situ formation of antigen and antibody complexes may similarly lead to complement activation and leucocyte mediated injury. Third, antibodies against specific cellular targets may produce renal injury.
Symptoms related to active nephritis may include peripheral edema secondary to hypertension or hypoalbuminemia. Extreme peripheral edema is more common in persons with diffuse proliferative or membranous lupus nephritis because these renal lesions are commonly associated with heavy proteinuria.  (+ info)

Do you suffer from lupus nephritis?

---

I am wondering about what treatments you were put on if you have this disease. I was diagnosed in January of this year and was put on cytoxan(chemo). While I was on chemo I never felt well and was always sick. I have recently been switched to cellcept, and I feel much better energy wise and just physically. Unfortunately my doctor wants to out me back on the cytoxan because my kidneys are still spilling large amounts of protein. Does anyone know of any other less harsher treatments compared to the chemo? Also, with the cellcept I just started taking in July 1st, should I wait it out some more to see if it actually is working?
Cytoxan is the first treatment that every doctor goes to with Lupus Nephritis. It has a proven track record of helping to stop and even reverse kidney damage this is why they recommend it first. It does work pretty well but there are significant side effects to it's usage such as sterility.

What dosage of Cellcept are you on? 2 Grams is the theraputic dosage for most people. Also increasing your prednisone can help with the kidney damage...what is your creatine clearance?

Cellcept is a maintenance drug and will not stop active Lupus Nephritis. The newest treatments include a combination of Cytoxan and Rituxan.

If you have any more specific questions please do not hesitate to email me at [email protected]  (+ info)

What are the long term prognoses for nephritis in conjunction with tonsillitis?

---

I had tonsillitis as a teenager and also developed nephritis with very dark brown urine. My doctor (now retired) was not specific with the type of nephritis dx, or with the long term effects. All he told me was that the type of nephritis I had is usually diagnosed in children 5-6 yrs of age and usually results in death to the child.
Post streptococcal acute glomerulonephritis generally has a good long term outlook. Total recovery from the initial episode is the rule. There is slightly higher risk for you of developing kidney problems as you get older (20-40 yrs) but the odds are in your favor. Your doctor should keep an eye out and any problems that may affect your kidneys should be aggressively treated(diabetes, hypertension.  (+ info)

What are the odds of a child getting Lupus if a parent has it?

---

My mother has Lupus, and I am worried about it. Can anyone tell me the odds or likelihood of a child of a Lupus patient having the disease? I've been to several sites but didn't find an answer to this ?
There is no known gene or genes which are thought to cause the illness. There are recent discoveries of a gene on chromosome 1 which is associated with lupus in certain families. Previously, genes on chromosome 6 called "immune response genes" were also associated with the disease. Only 10 percent of lupus patients will have a close relative (parent or sibling) who already has or may develop lupus. Statistics show that only about five percent of the children born to individuals with lupus will develop the illness.
This site will give you good info-
http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_aboutintroduction.aspx?articleid=311&zoneid=9
You may ask questions there too.
Good luck!  (+ info)

What is the difference between Lupus affecting the nervous system and MS?

---

What symptoms are different for each? How are they different and how are they the same? How common is it to have Lupus (SLE) and a neurological disorder such as MS?
Both lupus and multiple sclerosis are autoimmune disease in which the immune system goes haywire and attacks healthy parts of the self.

In multiple sclerosis, the immune system destroys the myelin sheath or fatty covering of the nerves. This can result in loss of transmission of signals.

In lupus, neurological symptoms can include things like seizures and neuropathy, or nerve pain. The mechanism by which lupus causes these things is not the same as in MS.  (+ info)

What are the chances of a person undergoing chemotherapy for lupus getting a girl pregnant?

---

I'm aware that the lupus chemodrug Cyclophosphamide is known for killing your sperm count and ruining sperm motility, at least temporarily.

How good are your chances of concieving a child? If they're pretty low... anyone have an idea how long it takes to recover your counts?

I spoke with my doctor about this, but he says that since Lupus is a disease that affects far more women than men, it's hard for him to say with any assurance.
there are other therapies which will help more with this problem and the only reason you are being recommended that route is because of profit
look into what edgar cayce said on lupus
spiritual healing and reiki can help too
not to mention
bob beck protocol
raymond rife machine may help too
google search them all  (+ info)

Can lupus be sexually transmitted, also if I have sex with a girl with lupus, what can happen to her?

---

Can lupus be sexually transmitted, also if I have sex with a girl with lupus, what can happen to her? In terms of complications, or would that depend on what type she has?
Lupus is not a contagious disease. It is a disease that can affect any major organ (i.e. lungs, heart) If your girlfriend has lupus should would be advised by her doctor on what to do. My brother has had lupus for years. In remission now.  (+ info)

I have Lupus and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on helping dry skin?

---

I have been living with Lupus for about a year now and have episodes where my face gets very dry, flaky and sometimes itchy (butterfly rash). The skin around my eyes and my eyelids get very dry. The skin turns a deep shade red/purple and sometimes is painful to the touch. I also get dry patches on my forehead and chin. Does anyone have non prescription remedies to make my episodes subside easier?
This is something that you really must talk with
your doctor about. Its important that he or she
know this. It may be a side effect of medication
you are now taking. And furthermore, before you self
medicate, you need to find out it it will interact in a
negative way with your current medications.  (+ info)

Is it possible to have lupus even though non of your family has lupus?

---

I have tested positive for lupus, and I have many lupus symptoms. My doctors believe I may have lupus, but I have not been officially diagnosed with lupus. All of my family members are very healthy. No one in my family has any illnesses. No one in my family has ever had any type of autoimmune disease. I am the first and only person. Is this possible and how could this be?
More often than not people who are diagnosed with Lupus do not have anyone in their family with Lupus. My wife is one example of this. Her family is very healthy yet she has severe organ involved SLE.

Researchers believe that both genetics and environmental factors cause Lupus. The important part now isn't to worry about where you got it from but rather to focus on how to keep yourself healthy. Make sure you get to know your doctors and have an open line of communication with them. Lupus is a very treatable disease but if it gets out of control it can be very difficult to recover from.

If you have any questions you can post them here, but I would definately go to the Lupus Foundation of America at Lupus.org and learn more about your disease.  (+ info)

What is a good diet regimen for a lupus patient to follow? What foods should be avoided?

---

I would like to know what foods to stay away from and what foods may help people diagnosed with autoimmune diseases. What is a good diet regimen for this diagnosis? Are there any foods that are harmful or that should be totally avoided by lupus patients?
Lupus patients should avoid alfalfa sprouts. They stimulate the immune system, just the opposite of what we need.

Outside of that, here are some basic guidelines that work for me.

1. Eat lots, and I mean lots, of fresh fruits and vegetables
2. Limit or eliminate animal fat. We have a high rate of premature atherosclerosis. A healthy heart diet is essential.
3. Limit processed foods
4. Eat plenty of fiber (#1 will accomplish that)
5. Get regular mild to moderat exercise-it improves immune function, lubricates joints and elevates mood. Ask your rheumy what would be good for you.
6. Do not take echinacea or goldenseal. They also stimulate immune system.
7. Some lupus patients find wheat gluten to be inflammatory, but many of us have no problem with it.
8. If you can't pronounce the ingredients, don't put it in your mouth.
9. Fish oil is anti-inflammatory. You can eat cold water fish like salmon to get that. A small amount of nuts is good, too.
10. Make sure you get plenty of calcium. Our meds make us prone to osteoporosis. Exercise helps with that, too.  (+ info)

---

---

• Home
• Our method
• Usage examples
• Index

• Statistics
• Contact

---