14804
-
International Journal of Women's Health
- About Dovepress
Open access peer-reviewed scientific and medical journals.
- Open Access
Dove Medical Press is now a member of the Open Access Initiative
- An Author's Guide
A guide to help authors get their paper published.
- Advocacy
Support Open Access and Dove Press
- Reprints
Promotional Article Monitoring - further details
- Favored Author Program
Real benefits for authors, including fast-track processing of papers.
Understanding lupus nephritis: diagnosis, management, and treatment options
Review
(6732) Total Article Views
Authors: Mok CC
Published Date May 2012 Volume 2012:4 Pages 213 - 222
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S28034
| Received: | 10 March 2012  |
|---|---|
| Accepted: | 28 March 2012 |
| Published: | 22 May 2012 |
Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital and Center for Assessment and Treatment of Rheumatic Diseases, Pok Oi Hospital, Hong Kong, China
Abstract: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) predominantly affects women in their reproductive years. Renal disease (glomerulonephritis) is one of the most frequent and serious manifestations of SLE. Of the various histological types of lupus glomerulonephritis, diffuse proliferative nephritis carries the worst prognosis. Combined with high-dose prednisone, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has emerged as a first-line immunosuppressive treatment, although data regarding the efficacy of MMF on the long-term preservation of renal function are forthcoming. Cyclophosphamide is reserved for more severe forms of lupus nephritis, such as crescentic glomerulonephritis with rapidly deteriorating renal function, patients with significant renal function impairment at presentation, and refractory renal disease. Evidence for the calcineurin inhibitors in the treatment of lupus nephritis is weaker, and it concerns patients who are intolerant or recalcitrant to other agents. While further controlled trials are mandatory, B cell modulation therapies, such as rituximab, belimumab and epratuzumab are confined to refractory disease. Non-immunosuppressive measures, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, vigorous blood pressure control, prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia and osteoporosis, are equally important.
Keywords: lupus, nephritis, nephropathy, glomerulonephritis, treatment, therapy, women
Post to:
Cannotea Citeulike Del.icio.us Facebook LinkedIn Twitter
Other articles by Dr Chi Chiu Mok
Readers of this article also read:
- Testimonials
"You do a tremendous job!!" Ruben Restrepo, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio.
- Tinidazole in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis
- Antibacterial treatment of bacterial vaginosis: current and emerging therapies
- Contraceptive practices in Nigeria: Literature review and recommendation for future policy decisions
- Vaginal rings for delivery of HIV microbicides
