Lupus nephritis - biopsy for all?
Here's another interesting article from Medscape News - reporting about the the first guidelines ever developed for the management of lupus nephritis. The recommendation is that physicians biopsy all patients who present with clinical evidence of active disease (lupus nephritis, that is), classify the disease stage according to the International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society classification system, and manage the disease on the basis of this classification.The guidelines were presented at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2011 Annual Meeting.
You can view the whole article here, which also talks about managing the disease with plaquenil and the use of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor or an angiotensin-receptor blocker - commonly referred to as hypertension medications, if and when protein in the urine is at least 0.5 g/day.
Remember a few months back, when I was so shocked that my doctor prescribed Cozaar for the protein in my urine? Guess he knew what he was talking about! (Of course he DID. I'm just saying...)
And kudos to my girlfriend in Ottawa - who recommended I get a baseline biopsy back when I told her about my increased protein. She totally knew what she was talking about. Thanks, Karen!!
You can view the whole article here, which also talks about managing the disease with plaquenil and the use of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor or an angiotensin-receptor blocker - commonly referred to as hypertension medications, if and when protein in the urine is at least 0.5 g/day.
Remember a few months back, when I was so shocked that my doctor prescribed Cozaar for the protein in my urine? Guess he knew what he was talking about! (Of course he DID. I'm just saying...)
And kudos to my girlfriend in Ottawa - who recommended I get a baseline biopsy back when I told her about my increased protein. She totally knew what she was talking about. Thanks, Karen!!
Comments
Here, the rheumy will refer for a kidney biopsy when 24H protein is at least 0.5 g. Mine shot up to 3.63 g/d in just three weeks from 0.2 g.
Good to get a biopsy, but, well, it is no fun. The 'staple' sound creeps me out!!!
Keep Well and Happy New Year 2012!!!
May you be well, healthy, happy and wealthy!
I have started to blog about my lupus experiences - http://www.nerdgirl.com/2012/01/coming-out-of-the-closet/
Read your book. Thanks!
Stephanie
Thank goodness it's not a major surgery, a day surgery, in and out, and minor discomfort.
Is this the first time your protein has shooted? How about your creatine and albumin?
I am surprised however, to hear that you are still doing 24 hr urines. Is it technology, but my nephrologist can get a protein count in a urine sample...
The highst my protein went, was when I reached 25 weeks. at 9 times the level it should be, they performed an emergency c-section...
Courage, you are right on the mark when you say you can't ignore symptoms, managing lupus is all about being proactive!!
To answer your questions - Glynis - I've always spilled protein...and we've always just watched it to make sure it wasn't too much. This time, it was just way more than it normally is. Good news is that that Cozaar is working - as all of my levels are looking good. And re: the 24 hour tests - most of my docs agree that my samples tend to be screwy - sometimes indicating higher than normal readings. so they just do the 24 to get a more accurate reading of what's going on. I don't love them, of course - but most of the time, they come back normal.
And yes, Karen is THE Karen in Ottawa. She's great, eh? :)
To Relief with Oils - It's not a crazy question at all! My personal experience with lupus doesn't seem to involve a tick bite, but if you shoot me an email at sara@despitelupus.com, I'd be happy to connect you with a couple of people who have been. One of them is actually writing a book about his experience with lupus and the tick bite, and another contact's lupus was ignited by a spider...
look forward to hearing from you!
And Nerdgirl - So glad you're blogging! I'll be sure to check it out - thanks for reading the book and the blog!
Glynis - RE: a UA vs. 24 hour urine - my understanding is that my UA's can sometimes indicate a false positive or are inconclusive...and ordering a 24 hour test is just more comprehensive and accurate...at least in my case. Interesting to hear about the inconclusiveness of your biospies. Kind of like my UA tests...but you had to go through a lot more trouble!! And, yes, my understanding is that it's SLE that was brought on by the bites. Certainly not common, but I've crossed paths with several individuals. Interesting, huh?