Lupus, a complex autoimmune disease, can affect multiple organs in the body, including the kidneys. For some people battling severe lupus-related kidney complications, a kidney transplant becomes essential.
In this article, we’ll explain the relationship between lupus and the kidneys, exploring how a kidney transplant can be a life-changing intervention for those grappling with the challenges posed by lupus nephritis.
How does lupus affect the kidneys?
The specific kidney-related complication associated with lupus is known as lupus nephritis. This condition occurs when the immune system, mistakenly identifying healthy tissues as threats, launches an attack on the kidneys’ filtering units, the glomeruli.
This can lead to inflammation, damaging the kidneys’ ability to effectively filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. If left uncontrolled, lupus nephritis can progress to severe kidney damage, eventually resulting in kidney failure, necessitating dialysis or transplantation.
The symptoms of lupus nephritis can vary widely, ranging from no visible signs to swelling in the legs, high blood pressure, and diminished kidney function, often detected through blood and urine tests.
Why might lupus patients need a kidney transplant?
Managing lupus nephritis requires a multifaceted approach involving immunosuppressive medications to control the autoimmune response, lifestyle modifications, and close monitoring to preserve kidney function and prevent irreversible damage.
For some people with lupus nephritis, despite diligent management and treatment, the damage inflicted on the kidneys can progress to an advanced stage where their kidneys can no longer function adequately.
This scenario often leads to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), where the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste and fluids from the blood efficiently. At this critical juncture, a kidney transplant becomes a crucial consideration for these patients.
How does a kidney transplant help lupus patients?
Kidney transplantation presents itself as a viable option when other treatments have proven insufficient or when ESRD severely compromises a person’s quality of life. Transplantation offers the potential for a renewed lease on life, providing a functional kidney that can perform the filtration and regulatory functions that the diseased kidneys can no longer fulfill.
A kidney transplant can also offer a level of freedom and improved well-being not achievable through dialysis or ongoing medical management alone. It can liberate individuals from the constraints of regular dialysis sessions, dietary restrictions, and medication regimens, allowing them to resume a more normal lifestyle.
Importantly, a transplant can significantly enhance overall quality of life. Freed from the limitations imposed by kidney failure, recipients often experience increased energy levels, improved appetite, and the ability to engage in activities that were once hindered by their health condition.
The transplant can also reduce or eliminate symptoms such as swelling, high blood pressure, and anemia that were prevalent due to impaired kidney function.
Schedule your lupus appointment today
At Advanced Rheumatology of Houston, we are committed to helping every lupus patient find the best possible solutions for their unique situations. Our board-certified, dedicated team has over a decade of experience in diagnosing and treating systemic autoimmune conditions such as lupus.
Contact us today to discuss your treatment options and how to find much-needed relief from exhausting, painful lupus symptoms.
