Nephrology and Kidney Diseases

Autoimmune Renal Diseases and Vasculitis

Autoimmune disorders affecting the kidneys often involve complex systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation. Conditions such as lupus nephritis, anti-glomerular basement membrane disease, IgA vasculitis (Henoch-Schönlein purpura), and ANCA-associated vasculitis result in varying degrees of glomerular and tubular injury. Diagnosis includes autoantibody profiling, complement levels, and biopsy to assess disease activity and chronicity. Treatment generally involves corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, rituximab, or mycophenolate mofetil. Disease monitoring relies on clinical response, proteinuria reduction, and renal function stabilization. Recent advances in biologic agents have improved outcomes while reducing adverse effects, and clinical trials continue to refine treatment protocols.

Topics covered:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis

• ANCA-associated vasculitis and renal involvement

• Immunosuppressive protocols and biologic therapies