What serious complication can arise from untreated systemic lupus erythematosus?

Lupus nephritis is a serious complication that can arise from untreated systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) due to the nature of the disease affecting multiple organ systems. In SLE, the immune system becomes overactive and begins to attack the body’s own tissues, including the kidneys. When this occurs, it leads to inflammation and damage to the kidney tissues, which can significantly interfere with their ability to filter waste from the blood effectively.

The onset of lupus nephritis can manifest as renal impairment, and without appropriate treatment, it can progress to severe kidney damage or even kidney failure. Monitoring for kidney involvement is crucial in SLE patients since early intervention can preserve kidney function and overall health.

Other conditions listed, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia, while they may occur alongside SLE or in individuals with similar symptoms, do not represent direct complications resulting from untreated SLE. They stem from independent mechanisms and not from the autoimmune dysregulation specifically associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. Thus, the direct and serious nature of lupus nephritis marks it as a significant concern in untreated SLE cases.