What does blood in urine and high RBC in urinalysis mean?
Finding blood and red blood cells in your urine can be a sign that your kidneys aren't filtering properly. In lupus, this often points to lupus nephritis, which happens when the disease affects your kidneys.
When lupus damages the kidneys, they can't filter your blood Show Full Answer
What does blood in urine and high RBC in urinalysis mean?
Finding blood and red blood cells in your urine can be a sign that your kidneys aren't filtering properly. In lupus, this often points to lupus nephritis, which happens when the disease affects your kidneys.
When lupus damages the kidneys, they can't filter your blood as effectively. This allows red blood cells and protein to leak into your urine. Many MyLupusTeam members have experienced this. One member shared: "I have protein and blood in my urine --- had the flank pain also. They did a kidney biopsy and found I had lupus and stage 3B kidney disease."
What symptoms might you notice?
Along with blood in your urine, you might experience:
- Strong ammonia smell in your urine
- Sharp pains in your lower back or flank area
- Darker colored urine
- Protein in your urine
What should you do next?
It's important to talk with your doctor about these findings. They may recommend additional kidney function tests or possibly a kidney biopsy to determine if lupus is affecting your kidneys and what treatment approach would be best for you.
March 13
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