Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

Surgery is not used to treat mild or moderate symptoms of lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE). Surgery may be considered for people with lupus who have permanent, life-threatening kidney damage. A kidney transplant or kidney dialysis may be done instead of continuing long-term treatment with high doses of medications that have serious side effects.

• If kidney disease from lupus does not respond to high-dose corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive medications, kidney dialysis or transplant are reasonable options.
• For unknown reasons, overall lupus disease activity is often less severe during dialysis and after kidney transplant.