Do you need a kidney transplant for lupus nephritis?

The indications for renal transplantation are not chosen by the type of disease, but by the state of renal function. In lupus nephritis, renal transplantation is not needed if renal function is normal or mildly abnormal, and can be considered if it progresses to uremia.
The prognosis of mild lupus nephritis is significantly improved after early detection and active treatment. If lupus nephritis does not cause severe renal failure before, kidney transplantation is generally not needed. When kidney failure is reached, especially after uremia, kidney transplantation can be considered.
Lupus nephritis is a connective tissue disease caused by systemic lupus erythematosus, which causes the body to produce a large number of antibodies after an immune disorder. These antibodies are not used to kill bacteria and viruses, but to attack their own organs. When they attack the kidneys, it is called lupus nephritis.
For this disease, it is mainly treated with hormones combined with immunosuppressants, such as prednisolone and cyclophosphamide, and sometimes with plasma replacement therapy. Some patients can effectively relieve the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. In some patients, the disease will progress gradually and may eventually lead to uremia, in which case kidney transplantation may be considered.
The above medications should be used according to the doctor’s prescription, and the dosage should be strictly adhered to and should not be increased or decreased on its own. The choice of treatment plan for lupus nephritis should be combined with relevant tests to choose the appropriate treatment plan. When discomfort occurs, consult a doctor promptly.