Belimumab is now FDA approved to treat children aged 5 years and older with active lupus nephritis, providing treatment options for pediatric patients at risk of developing renal damage.
Kidney Pathology for the Rheumatologist: Tips from an Expert
Renal biopsy is a valuable tool for the accurate diagnosis and management of patients with kidney involvement due to rheumatic disease. Agnes B. Fogo, MD, shared her expertise on renal pathology and insights into what rheumatologists should know, during a session at the 2022 ACR Education Exchange.
Case Report: Atypical Presentation of Idiopathic Retroperitoneal Fibrosis
Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a rare condition characterized by aberrant fibroinflammatory tissue developing in the retroperitoneum. This disorder was initially called Ormond’s disease. RPF may be idiopathic or secondary to other conditions. Idiopathic RPF is a part of the disease spectrum of chronic periaortitis due to its typical periaortoiliac localization. Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis is a…
2-Year Extension Study Supports Voclosporin to Treat Patients with Lupus Nephritis
Research has shown voclosporin in combination with MMF and low-dose steroids benefits patients with lupus nephritis, significantly increasing the speed of remission. New data from an ongoing extension study demonstrate a positive risk/benefit profile.
FDA Warning: Avoid Use of NSAIDs after Week 20 of Pregnancy
The FDA is recommending pregnant women avoid using NSAIDs as early as week 20 of pregnancy due to the risk of kidney problems in a developing fetus.
Monthly Belimumab Infusions Preserve Kidney Function in Some Lupus Patients
(Reuters Health)—Intravenous belimumab combined with standard lupus therapy can help preserve kidney function in patients with active lupus nephritis and cut the odds of death or a renal-related event by half, a phase 3 multinational study has concluded.1 After two years of therapy, 43% of 224 volunteers getting the drug monthly showed a renal response…
Bone Density Concerns: Guidance on Tackling Fracture Risk in CKD
Suggestions on how to assess risk and manage bone issues in chronic kidney disease patients are offered…
Renal Transplant Outcomes in Patients with Lupus Nephritis
A recent study from Brazil suggests lupus nephritis patients who receive renal transplant have a high five-year survival rate. Researchers found the presence of venous thrombosis and antiphospholipid syndrome, but not viral infection, were important predictors of renal graft loss in these patients…
Allopurinol for Gout an Unlikely Contributor to Kidney Disease
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Allopurinol does not appear to contribute to decline in kidney function and may actually protect renal function in patients with gout, according to a large population-based study. Gout affects around 4% of Americans and often occurs alongside chronic kidney disease (CKD), Dr. Tuhina Neogi from Boston University School of Medicine and colleagues…
Reduced Serum Uric Acid Levels May Protect Against Renal Function Decline
New research examined the link between a reduction in serum uric acid (SUA) levels and the reduced risk of renal function decline in patients with gout. The findings suggest that aggressive serum acid-lowering approaches may be helpful in slowing the progression of renal disease…