‘Lupus can silently damage kidneys, early detection key’

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Lupus, an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s defense system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, can silently cause serious kidney damage, with early diagnosis and timely treatment playing a crucial role in preventing complications, said Dr Seera Pani Gopaluni, Senior Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Physician, Apollo Hospitals, Financial District .

According to Dr Gopaluni, persistent fatigue, a butterfly-shaped rash over the cheeks and nose, painful or swollen joints, unusual hair loss, mouth ulcers and kidney-related symptoms such as foamy urine or swelling of the feet, ankles or face should not be ignored. Lupus nephritis can also have a considerable financial and emotional impact on families because patients require long-term medication, regular investigations and specialist follow-up. Pregnancy requires particular care, as it can trigger disease flares.

Treatment for lupus nephritis has also witnessed significant advances in recent years. Targeted therapies such as belimumab and voclosporin have expanded treatment options, while newer therapies including obinutuzumab have shown encouraging results in clinical trials, particularly in achieving complete kidney remission in a significant proportion of patients. Dr Gopaluni said that access to newer medicines in India remains a challenge because of availability and cost.

He advised people experiencing unexplained fatigue, persistent joint pain or skin rashes, particularly when accompanied by swelling or foamy urine, to consult a physician and undergo appropriate screening rather than dismissing the symptoms as routine ailments.