Learn about pediatric lupus nephritis

Lupus nephritis in children is called pediatric lupus nephritis. Up to 20% of people with lupus (1 in 5) were diagnosed as children or teens, and lupus nephritis is common in children with lupus. Lupus nephritis is more common in children diagnosed with lupus than in adults with lupus. Lupus nephritis occurs in around 50–82% of children with lupus in comparison with 20–40% of adults with lupus.

As children get older, they will start seeing adult health care providers instead of pediatric or child focused providers. For some, this happens after high school, for others it may not happen until they are in their twenties. Regardless of when it happens, this change presents many health and social challenges, especially for young people with lupus and lupus nephritis. This video provides information about how children can make this transition from pediatric to adult care for lupus nephritis.