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Systemic lupus erythematosus — more commonly known as lupus — is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system produces proteins called autoantibodies that attack your own tissues and organs. Some people with lupus develop a form of kidney inflammation called lupus nephritis.

Lupus nephritis occurs when lupus autoantibodies affect the filtering structures (glomeruli) of your kidneys. This abnormal process results in kidney inflammation and may lead to blood in the urine (hematuria), protein in the urine (proteinuria), high blood pressure, impaired kidney function or even kidney failure.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com