How would you know if you're in remission?
Remission in lupus means your disease is well-controlled with minimal or no active symptoms. You'd typically know through:
* Lab tests showing stable kidney function and little to no protein in urine
* No active lupus symptoms present
* Blood work indicating controlled inflammation
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How would you know if you're in remission?
Remission in lupus means your disease is well-controlled with minimal or no active symptoms. You'd typically know through:
* Lab tests showing stable kidney function and little to no protein in urine
* No active lupus symptoms present
* Blood work indicating controlled inflammation
* Regular monitoring by your rheumatologist
Is remission only for those without organ involvement?
No, remission is possible even with organ involvement, including lupus nephritis (kidney inflammation). Research shows that people with lupus nephritis can achieve remission and maintain it for years.
For lupus nephritis specifically, remission means:
* Kidney function remains good (eGFR above 60)
* Little to no protein in urine
* No signs of active lupus symptoms for at least one year
Studies found that maintaining remission for at least three years significantly protects kidney function long-term. At 25 years after diagnosis, 91% of people who achieved at least three years of remission still had healthy kidney function.
Your doctor will monitor your progress through regular checkups, blood tests, and urine tests to determine if you're reaching or maintaining remission. It's worth discussing with your rheumatologist what remission looks like for your specific situation.
January 15