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April 2, 2011

According to a new study published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism, there was a significant increase in end-stage renal disease in young people over the period from 1995 to 2006. Of those with the condition, half were African American. In fact, blacks have end-stage renal disease at rates six to seven times that of whites.

End-stage renal disease is a severe kidney condition linked to lupus nephritis. Currently, lupus affects 300,000 Americans. In addition to causing fatigue, joint pain and organ damage, it also causes inflammation throughout the body. Many lupus patients eventually develop inflammation in the kidneys.

While kidney transplantation is an option for such patients, death rates from end-stage renal disease have remained unchanged, says Dr. Karen Costenbader, lead author of the study. In a news release Costenbader added, “Further research is urgently needed to identify modifiable risk factors and intervention that can improve incidence rates and outcomes for children and adults with lupus nephritis.”

Source: Los Angeles Times