the lupus nephritis consultation at the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital, part of the Ministry of Health of the Canary Islands Government, has treated 134 individuals in it’s first year. The consultation offers a unique approach: “Every time the patient goes to this consultation, he is treated both by a nephrology professional and by one of rheumatology, which allows to coordinate the necessary adjustments for the treatment of the pathology, without the patient having to wait for the next appointment with one of them.”

This centralized approach reduces the number of visits patients need to make to the health center. This is notably beneficial for individuals with lupus nephritis, who “require continuous monitoring to be able to detect any possible outbreak or evolution in the disease.”

Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the body mistakenly attacks its own cells and organs. This occurs when the body produces antibodies that target healthy tissues instead of harmful substances like viruses or bacteria. the condition is chronic, characterized by periods of flare-ups and remissions. Treatment focuses on managing the disease’s progression and minimizing relapses.

Lupus nephritis develops when lupus antibodies affect the kidneys, leading to inflammation. This can manifest as blood or protein in the urine, high blood pressure, kidney damage, or ultimately, kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant.

Advancements in Treatment

Significant progress in understanding the pathophysiology of lupus nephritis has led to the development of more effective drugs with fewer side effects. These drugs often target the B lymphocyte,a key player in antibody production,as well as cytokines and calcineurin inhibitors. “Advances in the knowledge of pathophysiology have allowed to develop drugs with more effective actions and less side effects that reduce the possibility of definitive renal damage.”

Patients are treated, together, by a nephrology professional and another rheumatology…

These advancements have improved the quality of life for patients, reducing the incidence of permanent kidney damage and the need for corticosteroids. In some instances, patients may even be able to discontinue corticosteroid use altogether, leading to better disease management and a more optimistic long-term outlook.