How to treat edema caused by lupus nephritis

Jul 02, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Hello, sorry to bother you, but I have a friend who is 26 years old. She has severe nephritis with edema, and it's lupus-related. Is this very serious? I would like to ask the doctor, how should edema caused by lupus nephritis be treated?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
The treatment of edema in lupus nephritis requires a comprehensive approach involving multiple measures, as follows: 1. Dietary adjustment: Low-salt and low-fluid diet, with daily salt intake less than 3 grams. Strict control of fluid intake is necessary, including porridge, soup, beverages, and fruits. 2. Medication therapy: Diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide may be used, possibly in combination with potassium-sparing diuretics like spironolactone to relieve edema. Glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents, such as prednisone, methylprednisolone, cyclosporine, and tacrolimus, can modulate the immune response and reduce kidney damage, thereby alleviating edema. 3. Other treatments: Prevention of infection, avoidance of nephrotoxic drugs, and ensuring adequate rest. For patients with severe edema unresponsive to diuretics, hemodialysis may be considered.