Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to improve of kidney function. Medicines may include corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications.

Dialysis may be needed to control symptoms of kidney failure. A kidney transplant may be recommended. (People with active lupus should not have a transplant.)

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome varies depending on the specific form of lupus nephritis. Patients may have acute flare-ups with alternating symptom-free periods.

Some cases of lupus nephritis may progress to chronic kidney failure.

Although lupus nephritis may return in a transplanted kidney, it rarely leads to end stage kidney disease.

Complications:

• Acute renal failure
• Chronic renal failure
• End-stage renal disease
• Nephrotic syndrome

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if blood in the urine or swelling of the body develops.

If you have lupus nephritis, call your health care provider if there is decreased urine output.