Clinical Manifestations
Fluid retention manifests as swelling in hands, feet, and abdomen.
Edema
Innate immune mechanism where there is an increase in blood flow, vascular permeability, and filtration of immune cells.
Inflammation.
A test that helps check the function of your organs and measure the levels of enzymes and proteins.
Blood test
An immunosuppressant typically administered in high doses as part of cancer treatment but also prescribed (in lower doses) for the treatment of our disease.
Cyclophosphamide
These bundle networks of small capillaries become inflamed in those suffering from our disease, affecting the proper function of the organs they supply blood to.
Glomeruli
Occurs as a consequence of high blood volume.
Hypertension.
Highly specific immune glycoproteins that tag individual antigens and are produced by B cells. This are thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of this disease.
Antibodies (or immunoglobulins).
The removal of a small piece of tissue that can be examined under a microscope.
Biopsy
A type of replacement therapy that remains the standard of care for patients suffering from our disease. It does not cure the condition but is used to extend life expectancy and improve quality of life.
Dialysis
These organs come in pairs, are usually 4-5 inches in length, and are the primary functional sites affected by our disease.
Kidneys
Digestive system symptoms that involve rapid flow of fluids via either end of the GI tract.
Nausea and vomiting are also symptoms.
Damage to this part of the nephron causes blood and proteins to be lost in the urine, and impairs fluid filtration.
Glomerulus (plural- glomeruli)
A test that provides a picture of the interior body structures and helps doctors diagnose disorders.
Imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasound exams, or CT scans)
Reducing the intake of these three things is a recommended and important lifestyle change for a favorable prognosis in those suffering from our disease.
Protein, sodium, and potassium
Excess deposition of this antibody is the most common cause of our disorder.
IgA (Immunoglobulin A)
Two main symptoms associated with toxic wastes and toxins that are not properly excreted and end up in the bloodstream and muscles, lowering body energy levels, and affecting muscle contractions.
Muscle cramps and fatigue.
End stage of many inflammatory processes, where fibrin and other connective tissue fibers are deposited in a damaged tissue.
Scarring
An examination of urine sample in order to determine the presence of a disease or infection. The presence of red blood cells, excess proteins, or white blood cells are indicative signs of our disorder.
Urine test/Urinalysis
Fluid accumulation caused by our disease is typically treated with this type of medication.
Diuretics
The resulting condition caused by our disorder when left untreated (or chronic in nature)
Pink or dark urine as a result of erythrocytes in the urine.
Hematuria
Diseases that affect the body defense mechanisms against antigens.
Diseases that affect the system where wastes from the bloodstream are excreted and osmotic homeostasis is regulated.
Immune disorders
Renal disorders
A test to measure the level of creatinine in the blood.
Creatinine Test
The primary steroid treatments given to sufferers of our condition to regulate inflammation and suppress the immune system
Corticosteroids
Loss of _____ is a common consequence of our condition in its chronic form, and more commonly affects males.
Libido/Sexual function