Lupus itself doesn't have traditional "stages" like some other conditions. However, lupus can range from mild to severe, and its progression varies greatly from person to person.
In mild cases, lupus may only show up as a skin rash and can go into remission for long periods—sometimes 10 years or more. More severe cases can Show Full Answer
Lupus itself doesn't have traditional "stages" like some other conditions. However, lupus can range from mild to severe, and its progression varies greatly from person to person.
In mild cases, lupus may only show up as a skin rash and can go into remission for long periods—sometimes 10 years or more. More severe cases can progress quickly and cause permanent damage to organs like the kidneys, heart, or brain.
About 50 percent of adults with lupus and 80 percent of children with lupus will develop lupus nephritis, which is when lupus affects the kidneys. This complication does have specific stages. Lupus nephritis is classified into six stages (classes) based on kidney damage:
- Class 1: Minimal damage, usually no treatment needed
- Class 2: Mild damage, may not require treatment
- Class 3: Moderate damage affecting less than half the kidney's filtering units
- Class 4: Severe damage affecting more than half the filtering units
- Class 5: Excessive immune deposits in kidneys
- Class 6: Advanced damage with over 90% of filtering units affected, often leading to kidney failure
These stages are determined through kidney biopsy and help guide treatment decisions. The goal is always to prevent progression and protect kidney function.
February 9
Really helpful. I was told I’ll likely need a biopsy by my rheumatologist, but waiting for my nephrologist appointment to confirm.
February 11
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