Several autoimmune disorders can occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the kidneys, leading to inflammation and potential damage. Some common autoimmune disorders related to the kidneys and nephrology include:
Lupus nephritis: Lupus nephritis involves inflammation in the kidneys, which can lead to impaired kidney function and, if left untreated can shape into chronic kidney disease.
ANCA-associated vasculitis: It includes granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) characterized by inflammation and damage to small blood vessels, including those in the kidneys.
IgA nephropathy: Also known as Berger's disease, IgA nephropathy involves the accumulation of the antibody immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the kidneys, leading to inflammation and potential kidney damage.
Treatment options for autoimmune disorders aim to suppress the immune response, reduce inflammation, and preserve kidney function.
Here are some common approaches:
- Immunosuppressive medications.
- Biologic therapies.
- Blood pressure control.
- Medications, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), may be prescribed to control blood pressure and reduce proteinuria (excessive protein in the urine).
- Supportive care.
- Dialysis (in severe cases).
- kidney transplantation (in severe cases).
